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

• 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

Minnesota will get a chance to avenge last week’s loss to the Lakers, a 128-110 defeat in Los Angeles, where Luka Doncic put up a ridiculous line of 49 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025

The Eagles’ task of the week involves avenging their loss to the Giants in Week 6. —Mike Jones, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025

In Mutiny, after witnessing his billionaire boss’ murder and being framed for the crime, Cole Reed (Statham) boards a cargo ship on a one-man crusade to avenge his boss’ death only to discover an international conspiracy. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025

With the win, FFC avenged a 45-7 loss at Regis last fall. —Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025

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