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 the Bondi attacks, many in the Jewish community said Albanese had not done enough to stamp out antisemitism that had worsened since Israel sought to avenge Hamas’ murderous attack. —Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026

The Seahawks are looking to avenge their 28-24 Super Bowl loss in 2015 to the Patriots and win their second Super Bowl in franchise history. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026

On Thursday night, Texas women's basketball avenged one of its only losses. —Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026

Seattle was one of the best teams in the league while playing a more difficult schedule and appears poised to avenge a Super Bowl 49 loss. —Keven Lerner, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 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