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

Now, the country is wracked by the terror of a new, heavier bombardment, with more than 1,000 dead since March 2, when Hezbollah fired projectiles into Israel to avenge the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, sparking Israeli retaliation. —Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026

Iran’s army chief has threatened to avenge the deaths of top Iranian officials killed by Israel, state media reported. —Yarden Segev, NBC news, 18 Mar. 2026

Before it was sorted out, Johnathan Kovacevic went after Kastelic to avenge the hit and got an extra two minutes. —Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2026

UConn would avenge that in the conference title game, however, beating the Panthers 61-58. —Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 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