revenge

1 of 2

verb

re·​venge ri-ˈvenj How to pronounce revenge (audio)
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
revenger noun

revenge

2 of 2

noun

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

Examples of revenge in a Sentence

Verb a man who took matters into his own hands and revenged the death of his brother Noun 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 on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
But second-year Washington head coach Jedd Fisch has since claimed his revenge and is looking to go two for two in games against the Wolverines this weekend. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025 But with executions, clan wars, and new militias emerging, officials and residents alike say the post-war phase may test whether that peace can hold — or whether Gaza is entering yet another cycle of terror and revenge. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025 Ultimately, Finn and Gwen take a trip to Alpine Lake to investigate the camp, and that’s where The Grabber’s malevolent spirit seeks his revenge. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025 Other toughies are at the not-so-soft Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13, the revenge trip to New England in Week 15 and the Philadelphia Eagles at Highmark Stadium in Week 17. Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for revenge

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Noun

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

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of revenge was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Revenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revenge. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

revenge

1 of 2 verb
re·​venge ri-ˈvenj How to pronounce revenge (audio)
revenged; revenging
1
: to get even for a wrong done
revenge myself on my enemies
2
: to give injury in return for
revenge an insult
revenger noun

revenge

2 of 2 noun
1
: a desire to pay back injury for injury
2
: an act or instance of revenging
3
: a chance for getting satisfaction
revengeful
-fəl
adjective
revengefully
-fə-lē
adverb
revengefulness noun

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