avenge

verb

ə-ˈvenj How to pronounce avenge (audio)
avenged; avenging
Synonyms of avenge

transitive verb

1
: to take vengeance for or on behalf of
vowed to avenge their murdered father
2
: to exact satisfaction for (a wrong) by punishing the wrongdoer
was determined to avenge the assault
avenger noun

Synonyms of avenge

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Examples of avenge in a Sentence

The brothers vowed to avenge the death of their father. They vowed to avenge their father by capturing and punishing his killer.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ruthye needs someone to avenge the slaughter of her family at the hands of Krem of the Yellow Hills. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 2026 As the funeral has gone on, however, there have increasingly been calls from mourners to avenge Khamenei’s death. — ABC News, 5 July 2026 Oppenheimer follow-up about a man haunted by defying the gods & dooming civilization — this one fights to avenge his own hubris. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026 The work reflects on the Greek myth of Orestes—the son who murdered his mother, Clytemnestra, to avenge the death of his father, Agamemnon. — Zehra Jumabhoy, Artforum, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for avenge

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French avenger, from a- (from Latin ad-) + venger to avenge — more at vengeance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of avenge was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing avenge

Rhymes for avenge

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Browse Nearby Words

Avenches
avenge
avengement
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Cite this Entry

“Avenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avenge. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

avenge

verb
ə-ˈvenj How to pronounce avenge (audio)
avenged; avenging
: to take vengeance for (an action) or on behalf of (a person)
avenger noun

More from Merriam-Webster on avenge

Nglish: Translation of avenge for Spanish Speakers

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