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

One of the Titans’ most satisfying wins came at 132 pounds, when Jack Malinconico avenged his 7-6 loss to Central Union’s Gabriel Pacheco at last week’s Division 2 Final with a 9-8 decision this week on a last-minute takedown. —Kevin J. Farmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026

In fact, everything the Bruins want to achieve remains in front of them – defending their Big Ten Tournament championship, avenging a 2025 Final Four loss. —Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026

Her dreams propelled Jackson toward college — as did a need to avenge the childhood taunts that echoed in his head. —Johanna Neuman, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026

The French avenged the 2022 Olympics finish outside Beijing where Christiansen shot clean and beat Fillon Maillet home by 28 seconds. —ABC News, 17 Feb. 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