Avenge: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：to take revenge for (avenge)

avenge 🔊

/əˈvendʒ/

vt.

To do something to hurt or punish someone because they have hurt or wronged you or someone you care about.

Avenge meaning illustration: warrior seeking revenge at sunset

to take revenge for 🔊

➕

/tə teɪk rɪˈvɛndʒ fɔːr/

vt.

Inflict harm or punishment on someone in response to a wrong or injury done to oneself or others, often driven by a sense of justice.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'vindicare' (to claim, avenge) via Old French 'avengier', with prefix a- (ad-) and stem 'venge'.

💡 Mnemonic

Avenge: 'A' as in 'attack' + 'venge' sounds like 'vengeance' – think of attacking to get vengeance.

📖 Example

In the movie, the hero swore to avenge his best friend's death. 🔊 In the movie, the hero swore to avenge his best friend's death.

🔗 Collocations

avenge a wrong – to punish someone for an injustice or offense

avenge a death – to retaliate for the killing of someone

avenge an insult – to take revenge for a rude or disrespectful act

🔄 Synonyms

retaliate (v.) – Respond to an attack or injury with a corresponding act.

revenge (v.) – Inflict harm on someone as punishment for a wrong, often emotional in nature.

vindicate (v.) – Clear someone of blame or suspicion, or justify an action by proving it right.

🚫 Antonyms

forgive (v.) – Stop feeling anger or resentment toward someone for an offense.

pardon (v.) – Officially release someone from the legal consequences of an offense.

absolve (v.) – Declare someone free from guilt or responsibility.

🌱 Derivatives

avenger (n.) – A person who seeks revenge for a wrong.

avenging (adj.) – Seeking or serving to inflict revenge.

avengement (n.) – The act of avenging; retribution.

📖 Cultural Story

Evolved from Latin 'vindicare' through Old French into Middle English. It shares roots with 'revenge' but implies a more justified, moral retribution often seen in epic narratives.