avenge

avenge

verb \ə-ˈvenj\

avengedaveng·ing

Definition of AVENGE

transitive verb

1

: to take vengeance for or on behalf of

2

: to exact satisfaction for (a wrong) by punishing the wrongdoer

— aveng·er noun

Examples of AVENGE

1. The brothers vowed to avenge the death of their father.
2. They vowed to avenge their father by capturing and punishing his killer.

Origin of AVENGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French avenger, from a- (from Latin ad-) + venger to avenge — more at vengeance

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to AVENGE

Synonyms: redress, requite, retaliate, revenge, venge [archaic], get even (for)

Related Words: castigate, fix, get, penalize, punish, scourge; chasten, chastise, correct, discipline; right; compensate, pay (back), recompense, repay

Near Antonyms: absolve, condone, excuse, forgive, pardon, remit

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Rhymes with AVENGE

revenge, Stonehenge