revenge

1 of 3

verb

re·​venge ri-ˈvenj 

revenged; revenging

transitive verb

1

: to avenge (oneself or another) usually by retaliating in kind or degree

vowed to revenge herself on her betrayer

2

: to inflict injury in return for

revenge an insult

revenger noun

revenge

2 of 3

noun (1)

1

: a desire for vengeance or retribution

motivated by revenge

2

: an act or instance of retaliating in order to get even

plotted her revenge

3

: an opportunity for getting satisfaction

sought revenge through a rematch

revenger

3 of 3

noun (2)

re·​veng·​er

-jə(r)

plural -s

: one that revenges : avenger

Synonyms of revenge

Verb

• avenge

Noun (1)

• retaliation
• retribution
• vengeance

Examples of revenge in a Sentence

Verb

a man who took matters into his own hands and revenged the death of his brother

Noun (1)

She swore that she would have her revenge.

She wants revenge against her enemies.

The bombing was in revenge for the assassination of their leader.

The team is seeking revenge for the loss earlier in the season.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Han first became a fan favorite in Korea with the popular revenge drama Resurrection (2005), going on to star in hit series including Yi San (2007-08), Rooftop Prince (2012), Our Blues (2022) and Love Scout (2025). — Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

Jeong-yo’s quest for revenge At first, Jeong-yo’s return to Seoul and Pi-o's life goes relatively well. — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

Players step into the role of Shade, a lone racer dreaming of glory and revenge. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026

Today, now that Silicon Valley’s nerd Prometheis have graduated from getting revenge on Rooney Mara to threatening the future of the human race, the kids are back for a more existential lament. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French revenger, revengier, from re- + venger to avenge — more at vengeance

Noun (1)

Middle French revenge, revenche, from revengier, revenchier to revenge

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

circa 1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing revenge

• Montezuma's revenge
• revenge oneself on
• seek revenge for
• take (one's) revenge

Rhymes for revenge

• avenge

Kids Definition

revenge

1 of 2 verb

re·​venge ri-ˈvenj 

revenged; revenging

1

: to get even for a wrong done

revenge myself on my enemies

2

: to give injury in return for

revenge an insult

revenger noun

revenge

2 of 2 noun

1

: a desire to pay back injury for injury

2

: an act or instance of revenging

3

: a chance for getting satisfaction

revengeful

-fəl

adjective

revengefully

-fə-lē

adverb

revengefulness noun