avenge

1 of 2

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

avenger

2 of 2

noun

aveng·​er

ə-ˈven-jər

plural -s

: one that avenges

Synonyms of avenge

Verb

• revenge
• retaliate
• punish

Examples of avenge in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

After a year-long investigation into the killing of a Liberty City activist who was gunned down while playing dominoes outside his restaurant, police say the man who pulled the trigger may have been seeking to avenge his brother’s killing. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026

Hanuman inspires him to avenge the rape of his mother by a corrupt policeman working for a deceitful Hindu nationalist spiritual leader. — Sohini Sarah Pillai, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

To avenge an injustice and restore honor, a good yakuza, like Ken-san, would set off alone for a suicidal last stand against his wicked rivals. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Both teams are in a similar boat as SEC contenders that have avenged an early season conference loss. — Pj Green october 12, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

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