avenge

verb

ə-ˈvenj 

avenged; avenging

transitive verb

1

: to take vengeance for or on behalf of

vowed to avenge their murdered father

2

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

was determined to avenge the assault

avenger noun

Synonyms of avenge

• revenge
• retaliate
• punish

Examples of avenge in a Sentence

The brothers vowed to avenge the death of their father.

They vowed to avenge their father by capturing and punishing his killer.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Thomasville boys avenged their 2025 state championship loss to Armuchee with a 1-0 victory at Upson-Lee’s Matthews Field. —Jack Leo, AJC.com, 15 May 2026

In the new crime drama, Gisela plays Etta Tiger Jonze, a twentysomething who witnesses her family get murdered by one of the biggest drug cartels in Miami and sets out to avenge their deaths. —Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026

Connecticut falls to 0-3 on the season and will look to avenge Wednesday’s loss in a rematch with Las Vegas at Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday night. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026

The Eagles will be desperate to avenge January’s upset playoff loss on their home field, while the 49ers will look to win their third straight against Nick Sirianni’s squad. —Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing avenge

• avenge oneself

Rhymes for avenge

• revenge

Kids Definition

avenge

verb

ə-ˈvenj 

avenged; avenging

: to take vengeance for (an action) or on behalf of (a person)

avenger noun