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

In addition, the Bears will face the Cleveland Browns, led by Shedeur Sanders, and try to avenge an earlier loss to the Detroit Lions. —Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

Eleven chose to go back to her family instead of staying with her to avenge her mother. —Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Nov. 2025

One work that has often intrigued them is The Tragedy of Hamlet (1603), the Bard’s story of an anguished Danish prince who seeks to avenge his father’s death. —Nathan Smith, Time, 26 Nov. 2025

Norwell avenged last year’s semifinal loss to Hudson and now has an opportunity to avenge 2023’s quarterfinal loss to Fairhaven in the championship game. —Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 22 Nov. 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