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.
Agamemnon expects his son, Orestes, to avenge him by killing his mother, Clytemnestra, and Menelaus is proud to tell Telemachus that Orestes did just that. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 July 2026 Following the major season four finale death of Rudy Pankow‘s erratic-yet-lovable JJ Maybank, the crew at the heart of Netflix‘s teen treasure hunt series is setting out on one final adventure to avenge their best friend. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026 After avenging his father’s murder, Kenji was forced to flee his country, carrying only his sword and his shame. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 21 July 2026 Instead, Clytemnestra has been plotting his murder to avenge Iphigenia’s death. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 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 3 Aug. 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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