revenge

play

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

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

revenge

noun re·venge

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

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
This is a fist-pump moment—a scene in which we’re invited to cackle with glee as Arya finally gets revenge for the Red Wedding.

— scott meslow, GQ, "Game of Thrones Season 7 Premiere Recap: The Wolf and the Sheep," 17 July 2017
Angry residents sought revenge, storming the old Parish Prison and killing 11 people, hanging two of them and shooting the rest.

— greg larose, NOLA.com, "Gunman robs Family Dollar on St. Claude Avenue: NOPD," 16 July 2017
Revenge porn can be devastating, no matter who is involved.

— nina bahadur, SELF, "Rob Kardashian's Blac Chyna 'Receipts' Are Actually Just Revenge Porn," 5 July 2017
Also, revenge porn doesn't go over too well in California.

— christie d'zurilla, chicagotribune.com, "Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna throw down (and dirty) on social media," 5 July 2017
According to the logic of the show, the plot gave her character a reason to seek revenge and power of her own.

— TIME.com, "Game of Thrones: How They Make the World’s Most Popular Show," 30 June 2017
The two try to uncover the mystery of the brunette’s identity, while love, jealousy, ambition, seduction, and revenge complicate their efforts.

— The Courier-Journal, "50+ fun things for week of June 29-July 5," 28 June 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 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

REVENGE Defined for Kids

revenge

play

verb re·venge \ri-ˈvenj\

Definition of revenge for Students

revenged

;

revenging

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

revenge

play

noun re·venge

Definition of revenge for Students

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.