avenge

verb

ə-ˈvenj 

avenged; avenging

transitive verb

1

: to take vengeance for or on behalf of

vowed to avenge their murdered father

2

: to exact satisfaction for (a wrong) by punishing the wrongdoer

was determined to avenge the assault

avenger noun

Synonyms

• redress
• requite
• retaliate
• revenge
• venge [archaic]

Examples of avenge in a Sentence

The brothers vowed to avenge the death of their father.

They vowed to avenge their father by capturing and punishing his killer.

Recent Examples on the Web

While the first chapter in Tarantino’s bloody revenge saga kicked off the Bride’s quest to avenge her dead child, plucking off one cartoonish baddie after another, the second one continued that journey from a new perspective. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 19 Nov. 2024

The Hurricanes go on the road to face ACC rival Georgia Tech on Saturday afternoon, looking to avenge last year's devastating loss. —Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2024

So, while the Quinn of the past is still good, the Quinn of the future transforms into the time-traveling Sweetly Slasher, avenging those who laughed at him. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

The Comanches also sought to avenge a 35-12 nonleague defeat Aug. 30. —Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French avenger, from a- (from Latin ad-) + venger to avenge — more at vengeance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing avenge

• avenge oneself

Kids Definition

avenge

verb

ə-ˈvenj 

avenged; avenging

: to take vengeance for (an action) or on behalf of (a person)

avenger noun