avenge

verb

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While the first chapter in Tarantino’s bloody revenge saga kicked off the Bride’s quest to avenge her dead child, plucking off one cartoonish baddie after another, the second one continued that journey from a new perspective. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 19 Nov. 2024 The Hurricanes go on the road to face ACC rival Georgia Tech on Saturday afternoon, looking to avenge last year's devastating loss. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2024 So, while the Quinn of the past is still good, the Quinn of the future transforms into the time-traveling Sweetly Slasher, avenging those who laughed at him. Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 The Comanches also sought to avenge a 35-12 nonleague defeat Aug. 30. Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for avenge 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of avenge was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near avenge

Cite this Entry

“Avenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avenge. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

avenge

verb
avenged; avenging
: to take vengeance for (an action) or on behalf of (a person)
avenger noun

More from Merriam-Webster on avenge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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