Definition

1. Verb:
   • To cause (something, typically something harmful or violent) to happen or occur: The verb "wreak" means to bring about or inflict a powerful, often destructive, effect or consequence. It is almost always used with an object denoting the resulting effect, such as "havoc," "destruction," or "vengeance."
   • To express or vent (a strong emotion, especially anger) in a forceful way: This meaning involves acting out a powerful feeling, causing its effects to be felt by someone or something.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • The hurricane is expected to wreak widespread destruction along the coast.
  • The new policy could wreak economic havoc on small businesses.
  • He sought to wreak vengeance on those who had betrayed him.
  • She wreaked her fury on the unfortunate messenger.

Advanced Usage

• "to wreak havoc": to cause widespread chaos, confusion, or damage.
  • The computer virus wreaked havoc on the company's network.
• "to wreak vengeance/revenge": to inflict punishment or harm in return for an injury or wrong.
  • The hero vowed to wreak vengeance on the villain.

Variants and Related Words

• Wreaker (noun, rare): One who wreaks.
  • He was seen as a wreaker of chaos.

Synonyms

• Inflict: to impose something unwelcome, such as suffering or punishment.
• Cause: to make something happen.
• Unleash: to release a powerful force, often uncontrollable.
• Visit upon (formal/literary): to cause something unpleasant to happen to someone.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Wreak" is not typically used in standard phrasal verb constructions. Its usage is primarily with a direct object, as shown above.)

Related Idioms

• "To wreak hell" (intensified form): to cause extreme trouble or destruction.
  • If the boss finds out, he'll wreak hell on the entire department.

Verb

1. cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
   • I cannot work a miracle
   • wreak havoc
   • bring comments
   • play a joke
   • The rain brought relief to the drought-stricken area