revenge

verb re·venge \ ri-ˈvenj \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

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

If the Buckeyes want to revenge its 31-point loss a week ago to Iowa, however, the team may be doing so without two of its linebackers, Jerome Baker and Dante Booker.

— kevin cunningham, ajc, "Ohio State linebackers Jerome Baker, Dante Booker currently game-time decisions against Michigan State," 11 Nov. 2017
The Longhorns claimed a tough 47-40 overtime victory in 2013 that was revenged with a 38-20 West Virginia triumph two years later.

— tim griffin diehards, ajc, "Big 12 viewers guide stacked with big, interesting games in Week 12," 12 Nov. 2017
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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

revenge Synonyms

Synonyms

avenge, redress, requite, retaliate;

Near Antonyms

absolve, condone, excuse, forgive, pardon, remit;

chasten, chastise, correct, discipline;

right;

compensate, pay (back), recompense, repay;

Phrases

get even (for);

revenge

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

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

The suspect reportedly wanted to take revenge for Amri's death.

— deutsche welle, USA TODAY, "German police thwart suspected attack during Berlin Half Marathon," 9 Apr. 2018
University School had revenge on its mind heading into Friday's 2018 GEICO Nationals semifinal against national powerhouse Oak Hill Academy.

— pat lammer, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Vernon Carey Jr. powers University School past Oak Hill to national final, avenging lone loss of season," 31 Mar. 2018
And Cheryl and Toni canoodle in the student lounge and talk about revenge on her mother and uncle.

— jessica macleish, Teen Vogue, ""Riverdale" Recap Season 2 Episode 17: Operation Save Cheryl Blossom," 29 Mar. 2018
As the fourth nor’easter in the last month was hammering Philadelphia, the 76ers were inside the Wells Fargo Center exacting a fiery revenge on the Memphis Grizzlies.

— sarah todd, Philly.com, "Sixers post wire-to-wire rout of Grizzlies, 119-105," 21 Mar. 2018
And that's about getting revenge on Cranley, whose budgets have focused on basic public services such as police and fire rather than progressive-friendly projects like the streetcar.

— jason williams, Cincinnati.com, "PX column: Hey Cincinnati, here's another team of five to direct your anger toward," 19 Mar. 2018
Fairfield Prep, Saturday, 2 p.m. About Greenwich: The Cardinals got revenge on Xavier for a regular season loss by beating the Falcons 3-2 in overtime in the semifinal to reach their first title game since 2015.

— hartford courant, courant.com, "Winter Championship Preview Capsules," 16 Mar. 2018
Rin, the director’s preteen daughter, survives, vowing revenge on the men who killed her family.

— ben sachs, Chicago Reader, "Film / Foreign / On Video You probably missed Blade of the Immortal when it played here, but now you can catch it on DVD and BluRay," 9 Mar. 2018
The Ducks upset Utah, got revenge on Oregon State and expectedly took care of the lowly Cal Bears on the road.

— tyson alger, OregonLive.com, "Oregon Ducks looking to put it all together for Pac-12 Tournament run," 6 Mar. 2018

Origin and Etymology of revenge

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1547

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

revenge Synonyms

Synonyms

payback, reprisal, requital, retaliation, retribution, vengeance;

Near Antonyms

clemency, grace, leniency, lenity, mercy;

forgiveness, pardon, remission;

castigation, chastisement, correction;

desert(s), discipline, nemesis, penalty, punishment, wrath;

REVENGE Defined for English Language Learners

revenge

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