revenge

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verb re·venge \ ri-ˈvenj \

Definition of revenge

revenged; revenging

transitive verb

1 :to avenge (oneself or another) usually by retaliating in kind or degree

2 :to inflict injury in return for

revenge an insult

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revenger

noun

See revenge defined for English-language learners

See revenge defined for kids

Examples of revenge in a Sentence

a man who took matters into his own hands and revenged the death of his brother

Recent Examples of revenge from the Web

Here are the reflections of a few of the artists and technicians who pitted against one another two bastards, their vast armies and (most powerful of all) their divergent attitudes to power and to revenge.

— daniel d’addario, Time, "The Making of 'Battle of the Bastards,' Game of Thrones's Most Ambitious Episode," 19 June 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'revenge.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of revenge

Middle English, from Anglo-French revenger, revengier, from re- + venger to avenge — more at vengeance

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

revenge Synonyms

Synonyms

redress, requite, retaliate, avenge, venge [archaic]

Related Words

castigate, fix, get, penalize, punish, scourge; chasten, chastise, correct, discipline; right; compensate, pay (back), recompense, repay

Near Antonyms

absolve, condone, excuse, forgive, pardon, remit

revenge

noun

Definition of revenge

1 :a desire for vengeance or retribution

motivated by revenge

2 :an act or instance of retaliating in order to get even

plotted her revenge

3 :an opportunity for getting satisfaction

sought revenge through a rematch

See revenge defined for English-language learners

Examples of revenge in a Sentence

She swore that she would have her revenge.
She wants revenge against her enemies.
The bombing was in revenge for the assassination of their leader.
The team is seeking revenge for the loss earlier in the season.

Recent Examples of revenge from the Web

Is revenge a significant factor in the rematch with Southern Miss?

— fletcher page, The Courier-Journal, "CatsHQ Podcast | Previewing Kentucky football opener at Southern Miss," 29 Aug. 2017
That’s why the senator and the rest of the GOP caucus can’t dismiss the notion of Trump exacting revenge on Flake for his impertinence.

— jonathan s. tobin, National Review, "How to Give Jeff Flake’s Senate Seat to a Democrat," 18 Aug. 2017
And so this year, the girls had something to chase: redemption, or revenge even.

— brendan marks, charlotteobserver, "Rowan County sought redemption in World Series finale. Here’s how that played out.," 17 Aug. 2017
The tables turn when Veronica's boyfriend, JD, helps her plot revenge on the powerful trio.

— jessi virtusio, Daily Southtown, "Drama Group tackles teen angst in 'Heathers, the Musical'," 1 Aug. 2017
That scene includes some truly incredible acting from Lena Heady, which drips with venom, and pain, and tragedy, and revenge.

— matt miller, Esquire, "Game of Thrones Did Something It's Never Done Last Night," 31 July 2017
As the new season opened, Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) is atop the Iron Throne as queen of Westeros; Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) commands an extensive army, and Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) is exacting revenge for Red Wedding family deaths.

— Bloomberg.com, "‘Game of Thrones’ Debut Draws Record 10.1 Million Viewers," 19 July 2017
But United took revenge a few weeks later in the EFL Cup fourth round and then eventually went on to lift that particular trophy at Wembley in February.

— SI.com, "Man Utd vs Man City Preview: Houston Awaits First Ever Overseas Manchester Derby," 19 July 2017
Take, for instance, the Busch brothers ramming competitors to exact revenge.

— john phillips, Car and Driver, "I'm Warming to Electric Race Cars, But Autonomous Racing Makes No Sense," 19 July 2017

Origin and Etymology of revenge

Middle French revenge, revenche, from revengier, revenchier to revenge

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1547

See Words from the same year

revenge Synonyms

Synonyms

payback, reprisal, requital, retaliation, retribution, vengeance

Related Words

counter, counterattack, counteroffensive; castigation, chastisement, correction; desert (s), discipline, nemesis, penalty, punishment, wrath; amends, compensation, indemnification, indemnity, quittance, recompense, recoupment, redress, remuneration, reparation (s), restitution

Near Antonyms

clemency, grace, leniency, lenity, mercy; forgiveness, pardon, remission

REVENGE Defined for English Language Learners

revenge

noun

Definition of revenge for English Language Learners

: the act of doing something to hurt someone because that person did something that hurt you
: the act of defeating an opponent who has defeated you in the past