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

The Eagles will try to avenge a loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII two years ago, while Patrick Mahomes and company hope to pull off a record-breaking three-peat. —Kansas City Star, 2 Feb. 2025

The Eagles are looking to avenge their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl two seasons ago and getting Graham would be a boost. —Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 30 Jan. 2025

Mackenzie Dern avenged her 2019 loss to Amanda Ribas with an armbar submission with four seconds remaining in the third round. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025

The matchup would pit the top two MVP candidates in a win-or-go-home scenario while giving the Bills a chance to avenge their worst loss of the 2024 season. —Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025

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