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

Now the Redhawks get the chance to avenge their 3-0 regular-season loss to Naperville North. — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Commerce has avenged four 2025 losses (East Jackson, Elbert County, Oglethorpe County, Rabun County), the most of any GHSA school this season. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026

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

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