revenge

1 of 2

verb

re·​venge ri-ˈvenj 

revenged; revenging

transitive verb

1

: to avenge (oneself or another) usually by retaliating in kind or degree

vowed to revenge herself on her betrayer

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

Synonyms of revenge

Verb

• avenge

Noun

• retaliation
• retribution
• vengeance

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

Noun

Musically gifted teenager Rokas, runs away from his mafia family to use music as a way to take revenge on his father, responsible for his mother’s death. — Annika Pham, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026

Daniels will play Raymond Lesko, an infamous NYPD detective, currently working a hotel security gig after being thrown off the force for taking revenge following the murder of his ex-partner, who still haunts him to this day. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026

The Brewers were baseball’s best team in the regular season and were looking for revenge after the Dodgers swept them in dominant fashion on their way to the 2025 title. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026

This week saw comings and goings at the White House, the revenge of a child (reality) star, and Elon Musk doing Elon Musk things. — Holly J. Morris, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026

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

Phrases Containing revenge

• Montezuma's revenge
• revenge oneself on
• seek revenge for
• take (one's) revenge

Rhymes for revenge

• avenge

Kids Definition

revenge

1 of 2 verb

re·​venge ri-ˈvenj 

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