Definition

1. Verb:
   • To inflict harm or punishment in return for (a wrong or injury): To take retributive action on behalf of oneself or another person who has been wronged.
   • To exact satisfaction for (an offense) by punishing the wrongdoer: The action is typically motivated by a sense of justice or vindication for a perceived grievance.

Usage and Examples

• Basic Usage: The verb "avenge" is transitive and typically requires a direct object, which is the wrong or the person wronged.
  • He vowed to avenge his father's death. (He promised to punish those responsible for killing his father.)
  • She sought to avenge the insult to her family's honor. (She aimed to retaliate for the disrespect shown to her family.)
  • The hero swore to avenge the innocent villagers. (The hero pledged to bring justice for the harmed villagers.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Avenge oneself (on/upon someone)": To retaliate against someone for a wrong done to you.
  • After years of humiliation, he finally avenged himself on his rivals.
• "To be avenged": (Passive voice) Describes the state where retribution has been achieved for a wrong.
  • The king's murder was avenged by his loyal knights.
• Distinction from "revenge": While closely related, "avenge" often implies a righteous or just motive, frequently on behalf of another. "Revenge" is more personal and can imply a stronger desire for retaliation. "Avenge" is the action; "revenge" is often the feeling or the act itself.
  • He wanted to avenge his brother. (Focus: righteous action for his brother)
  • He wanted revenge on his brother's killer. (Focus: personal retaliation)

Variants and Related Words

• Avenger (noun): A person who avenges.
  • She became an avenger of injustice.
• Avenging (adjective): Describing someone or something that brings retribution.
  • The story features an avenging angel.

Synonyms

• Retaliate: To return an injury or wrong.
• Requite: To make repayment or return for.
• Vindicate: To clear from blame or suspicion, but can overlap in the sense of defending justice.
• Pay back: (Informal) To retaliate against.

Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• Avenge on/upon: (Archaic or formal) To take vengeance on someone.
  • The general avenged the defeat upon the enemy forces.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "Avenge a wrong": A common collocation.
  • His life's mission was to avenge the wrong done to his people.
• "Blood avenged": A dramatic phrase often found in literature, meaning a murder has been punished.
  • In the epic, the slain warrior's blood was avenged by his son.

Verb

1. take revenge for a perceived wrong
   • He wants to avenge the murder of his brother