revenge

verb

Save Word

re·venge | \ ri-ˈvenj

revenged; revenging

Definition of revenge

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

revenge

noun

Definition of revenge (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Other Words from revenge Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing revenge Learn More About revenge

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: Verb Fleeing for his life, the boy vows revenge as well as to liberate his mother (Nicole Kidman), with dad having helpfully given him a pep talk about the importance of vengeance even before this act of fratricide cemented Amleth's destiny. — Brian Lowry, CNN, 21 Apr. 2022 With Cassie and Nate’s secret affair finally exposed, Maddy wishfully plots revenge against her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend. — Leah Campano, Seventeen, 14 Feb. 2022 At the back of the book, the index provides a space for reference—and sometimes revenge. — Wsj Books Staff, WSJ, 11 Feb. 2022 To save his own skin and revenge himself on Logan, Kendall has turned whistleblower. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2021 Soon enough, the cost of fame is being measured in bribes as various underworld characters emerge, seeking payoffs or just revenge in the aftermath of tragedy. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 24 Nov. 2021 As travel rebounded this year, a number of different trends have emerged, from working remotely from hotels to revenge travel to trip stacking. — Rachel King, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2021 Years later that boy has grown up to be Nat Love (Jonathan Majors), who had dedicated his life to revenge. — Bill Goodykoontz, Detroit Free Press, 22 Oct. 2021 People with stressful jobs and who work long hours might also be prone to revenge bedtime procrastination. — Erica Sweeney, Good Housekeeping, 6 Nov. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Led by Myrtha, their queen, the women take revenge in the night by dancing men to death by exhaustion. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2022 Unfortunately, one of those apps has seemingly decided to take revenge on all of the users who dared delete it. — Jacob Siegal, BGR, 5 May 2022 In the gritty Viking tale, revenge is both a worthy obsession and an undeniable hindrance. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 20 Apr. 2022 Since the Red Army troops were told to take revenge, readers are treated to the horrifying number of 90,000. — John Tamny, Forbes, 13 Apr. 2022 In this dark comedy, three divorcées—and longtime friends—decide to take revenge on their ex-husbands who each left them for younger women. — Kara Thompson, Town & Country, 3 Mar. 2022 The Other Woman, wherein a trio of jilted women take revenge on the same man who cheated on them. — Nona Willis Aronowitz, ELLE, 15 Feb. 2022 The Houthis had threaten to take revenge against the Emirates and Saudi Arabia over those attacks. — NBC News, 25 Jan. 2022 The Houthis had threaten to take revenge against the Emirates and Saudi Arabia over those attacks. — Fox News, 24 Jan. 2022 See More

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.

History and Etymology for revenge

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

Learn More About revenge

Dictionary Entries Near revenge

revenant

revenge

revengeful

Statistics for revenge

Last Updated

10 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Revenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revenge. Accessed 24 May. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for revenge

revenge

verb

re·venge | \ ri-ˈvenj

revenged; revenging

Kids Definition of revenge

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to cause harm or injury in return for He'll revenge the insult.

revenge

noun

Kids Definition of revenge (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : an act or instance of causing harm or injury in return for a wrong … she would be instrumental in helping the rat work his revenge.— Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux

2 : a desire to cause harm or injury in return for a wrong She was motivated by revenge.

3 : a chance for getting satisfaction The team sought revenge through a rematch.