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

There’s her grief over Tommy’s death and desire to avenge him. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026

The Wolverines can change the narrative by upsetting Oklahoma and avenging a 24-13 loss from last season. — Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

The victory was also payback for West Boca (3-0), which avenged last season’s 26-20 overtime loss to Newman. — Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026

Miami looks to avenge last month’s 4-1 loss at Nashville and elimination from the Concacaf Champions Cup by Nashville earlier this year. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 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