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

After avenging his father’s murder, Kenji was forced to flee his country, carrying only his sword and his shame. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 21 July 2026

Instead, Clytemnestra has been plotting his murder to avenge Iphigenia’s death. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026

In gender, Columbus' men avenged an earlier season loss and cruised to an 11-6 win to sweep gender doubles. — Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

As such, Odysseus’ desire to avenge Sinon’s death upon his return is not included in the original story. — Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 17 July 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