revenge

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verb re·venge \ri-ˈvenj\

Definition of revenge

;

noun

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

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

First Known Use: 14th century

noun re·venge

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

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

First Known Use: circa 1547

noun

: 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

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verb re·venge \ri-ˈvenj\

;

play

noun re·venge

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.