revenge

[ ri-venj ]
/ rɪˈvɛndʒ /

verb (used with object), re·venged, re·veng·ing.

to exact punishment or expiation for a wrong on behalf of, especially in a resentful or vindictive spirit: He revenged his murdered brother.
to take vengeance for; inflict punishment for; avenge: He revenged his brother's murder.

verb (used without object), re·venged, re·veng·ing.

to take revenge.

noun

Origin of revenge

1350–1400; Middle English revengen (v.) < Middle French, Old French revenger, equivalent to re- re- + venger to avenge < Latin vindicāre; see vindicate

synonym study for revenge

1. See avenge. 4. Revenge, reprisal, retribution, vengeance suggest a punishment, or injury inflicted in return for one received. Revenge is the carrying out of a bitter desire to injure another for a wrong done to oneself or to those who are felt to be like oneself: to plot revenge. Reprisal, formerly any act of retaliation, is used specifically in warfare for retaliation upon the enemy for its (usually unlawful) actions: to make a raid in reprisal for one by the enemy. Retribution suggests just or deserved punishment, often without personal motives, for some evil done: a just retribution for wickedness. Vengeance is usually wrathful, vindictive, furious revenge: implacable vengeance.

OTHER WORDS FROM revenge

Example sentences from the Web for revenge

British Dictionary definitions for revenge

revenge
/ (rɪˈvɛndʒ) /

noun

the act of retaliating for wrongs or injury received; vengeance
something done as a means of vengeance
the desire to take vengeance or retaliate
a return match, regarded as a loser's opportunity to even the score

verb (tr)

to inflict equivalent injury or damage for (injury received); retaliate in return for
to take vengeance for (oneself or another); avenge

Derived forms of revenge

revengeless, adjective revenger, noun revenging, adjective revengingly, adverb

Word Origin for revenge

C14: from Old French revenger, from Late Latin revindicāre, from re- + vindicāre to vindicate