What does avenge mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/əˈvɛndʒ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

To take revenge for something wrong that has been done to someone, typically by punishing or harming the person who has committed the wrongdoing.

Examples

• The victim’s family sought to avenge her death by pressing charges against the perpetrator.
• The superhero’s goal was to avenge the destruction of his hometown.

Synonyms

• Revenge
• Retailiate

Antonyms

• Forgive
• Reconcile

Additional Information

The word ‘avenge’ can be used in a variety of contexts, including seeking justice for a personal wrongdoing or seeking revenge on behalf of someone else. Avenge is often associated with taking revenge through punishment or harm.

Avenge is also commonly used in literary and fictional contexts, particularly in heroic tales of revenge and justice. For example, the main character of a story might set out to avenge a family member’s death.

In addition, the concept of avenge has been a theme throughout human history, with many societies having developed systems of justice that include elements of revenge or retribution.

Etymology

The word ‘avenge’ originated from the Old French word ‘avengier,’ which means ‘to avenge.’ The term is also related to the Latin word ‘vindicta,’ meaning ‘revenge’ or ‘punishment.’

Usage Notes

The word ‘avenge’ can be used in a formal or informal context, but it’s more commonly used in a serious or formal setting.

Cultural References

The concept of avenge has appeared in various cultural works, such as Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet,’ which tells the story of a prince who seeks to avenge his father’s death.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

A common idiom related to avenge is ‘blood feud,’ which refers to a prolonged cycle of revenge between two groups or families.

Related Words or Phrases

• Retaliation
• Reprisal
• Vengeance

Collocations

• Seek to avenge
• Avenge one’s death
• Avenge a wrong

Frequency of Use

The word ‘avenge’ is not a commonly used term in everyday conversation, but it can be frequently found in formal or literary contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Aveng
• Avengge
• Avnge