an eye for an eye

phrase

: retribution in kind

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of an eye for an eye was in 1535

Rhymes for an eye for an eye

See All Rhymes for an eye for an eye

Browse Nearby Words

a new lease on life
an eye for an eye
Anezeh
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“An eye for an eye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/an%20eye%20for%20an%20eye. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of vaunted

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Words of the Week - Mar. 6

Why do we say 'make a beeline'?

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Birds Say the Darndest Things
See More

Popular

See More

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

The Words of the Week - Mar. 6

Why do we say 'make a beeline'?
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
child-with-a-telescope
Spot the Misspelled Word Quiz March 2026 Guage your ability to identify out-of-place letters.
See All