Meaning & Definition of word "Avenge"

Avenge

/əˈvɛndʒ/

verb:

  • 1. to take vengeance for or on behalf of someone; to retaliate against an injury or offense.
    • Example: He vowed to avenge his brother's wrongful death.
  • 2. to take revenge on behalf of (someone).
    • Example: She wanted to avenge her family by bringing the criminals to justice.
  • 3. to harm someone in retaliation for an injury they have caused.
    • Example: The hero set out to avenge the destruction of his village.
  • 4. to inflict harm in return for an injury or offense.
    • Example: They plotted to avenge the insult they had received.
  • 5. to seek retribution.
    • Example: He could not find peace until he avenged the betrayal.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French 'avengier', meaning 'to take vengeance.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

avenge one's death:

to seek justice for someone's death.

avenge a wrong:

to retaliate for an injustice or harm done.

Related Words

revenge:

the act of retaliating against someone for a wrongdoing.

retaliation:

the act of returning something, often a harm, in response to another act.

Slang Meanings of avenge

Meaning: get your own back

Example Sentence: He finally got his own back after years of being bullied.

Meaning: payback

Example Sentence: She plotted her payback after being cheated.