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

In overtime, the Cardinals and Cowboys traded three-and-outs before Arizona leaned on its productive run game and got into field goal range for the Chad Ryland’s 42-yard game-winner to avenge the missed PAT in regulation. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Nov. 2026

Bulldogs looking to avenge last season’s 39-34 CFP quarterfinal loss in the Sugar Bowl. — Eric Olson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Will the Panthers bounce back from another bad loss, or will the Packers avenge last week’s loss to the Lions? — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Saturday’s matchup also gives Liberty motivation to avenge last season’s loss. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 29 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