Main Entry:

ven·geance

Pronunciation:

\ˈven-jən(t)s\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from venger to avenge, from Latin vindicare to lay claim to, avenge — more at vindicate

Date:

14th century

: punishment inflicted in retaliation for an injury or offense : retribution

— with a vengeance

1: with great force or vehemence <undertook reform with a vengeance>2: to an extreme or excessive degree <the tourists are back—with a vengeance>