avenge

verb

\ə-ˈvenj

avenged; avenging

Definition of avenge

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

Other Words from avenge Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about avenge

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Synonyms for avenge

Synonyms

redress, requite, retaliate, revenge, venge [archaic]

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

This is about his journey to make sure her suicide is avenged — whatever that personally means to him. — Kevin O'keefe, chicagotribune.com, "‘13 Reasons Why,’ Season 2, argues for its existence," 16 May 2018 To reach state the Northstars had to beat a solid Sussex Hamilton squad and avenge two losses to Classic 8 champion Arrowhead. Junior pitcher Maddy Anderson has the stuff to give North a chance against any opponent. — Mark Stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "WIAA state softball: The basics and a look at the field," 6 June 2018 The pic starred Lee as a man brought back from the dead in order to avenge the death of his girlfriend, as well as his own. — Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, "Jason Momoa Exits 'The Crow' Reboot," 31 May 2018 The win avenged three losses to the Colonels last year. — James Weber, Cincinnati.com, "Warriors take top spot in Northern Kentucky lacrosse," 29 Mar. 2018 Losing to a legend such as Dixon is hardly something to be embarrassed by, but there's no doubt Penske will be looking to avenge last year's defeat. — Jim Ayello, Indianapolis Star, "Penske poised to avenge last season's disappointment at Road America," 22 June 2018 Best game: Adekola had eight points, 12 rebounds and three steals on Jan. 23 in Tomcats’ 51-46 win over crosstown rival West Aurora, avenging a 37-21 loss to the Blackhawks earlier in the season. — Chicago Tribune, chicagotribune.com, "West April challenge," 4 Apr. 2018 Once more Alejandro moves through the action with quietly lethal purpose, each killing bringing him one step closer to avenging his family’s deaths at the hands of the ruthless kingpin Carlos Reyes. — Justin Chang, latimes.com, "Violent, self-admiring sequel 'Sicario: Day of the Soldado' gets lost in the desert," 26 June 2018 On top of avenging the past two state title game losses, Pinnacle bounced back from two regular-season losses to Hamilton. — Katherine Fitzgerald, azcentral, "Schuld strikes out 14 as Pinnacle softball finds redemption over Hamilton in 6A title," 14 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'avenge.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.