wreaked; wreaking; wreaks
1
: bring about, cause
wreak havoc
2
a
: to cause the infliction of (vengeance or punishment)
b
archaic
: avenge
3
: to give free play or course to (malevolent feeling)
Did you know?
In its early days, wreak was synonymous with avenge, a meaning exemplified when Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus proclaims “We will solicit heaven, and move the gods / To send down Justice for to wreak our wrongs.” This sense is now archaic, but the association hasn't been lost: although wreak is today most often paired with havoc, it is also still sometimes paired with words like vengeance and destruction. We humbly suggest you avoid wreaking any of that, however, no matter how badly you may crave your just deserts.
Examples of wreak in a Sentence
Gangs have been wreaking mayhem in the city.
Recent Examples on the Web
Menopause—and the hormonal changes that can last for years leading up to it—can also wreak physical and psychological havoc.
—
Andréa Becker, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026
But as the decades pass, Mercy discovers an especially bitter spirit who is wreaking violent revenge upon the living—and when the spirit claims to know something of her past, Mercy must decide if her loyalties are to the living or the dead.
—Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
While ground covers can boost the health and aesthetics of your yard, some varieties can wreak havoc on nearby plants, trees, and soil.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026
The other problem is this AI locomotive coming down the tracks, which is going to wreak havoc for workers.
—Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for wreak
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Andréa Becker, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026
But as the decades pass, Mercy discovers an especially bitter spirit who is wreaking violent revenge upon the living—and when the spirit claims to know something of her past, Mercy must decide if her loyalties are to the living or the dead.
—Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
While ground covers can boost the health and aesthetics of your yard, some varieties can wreak havoc on nearby plants, trees, and soil.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026
The other problem is this AI locomotive coming down the tracks, which is going to wreak havoc for workers.
—Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for wreak
Cite this Entry
“Wreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wreak. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wreak
verb
: to bring down in or as if in punishment
wreak revenge on the enemy
the storm wreaked destruction
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
