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

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

Verb

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

Noun

• payback
• reprisal
• requital
• 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

Verb

From catharsis to revenge, from cannibalism to slashers, from vampires to giant bugs, here are the horror books that stood out this year. —Emily C. Hughes, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2024

Crafted as a concept album, Midnights draws inspiration from various sleepless nights, exploring themes from self-reflection to revenge fantasies to falling in love. —Nicole Sands, Peoplemag, 22 May 2024

Noun

As Politico reports, Trump has threatened revenge against a number of people, such as California Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi. —William Gavin, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024

The film delves into themes of control, manipulation, and revenge. —John Hopewell, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024

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

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