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
Growing up, my grandmother had a whole gaggle of grandkids, including myself, who loved to hang out at her house and wreak a good amount of havoc together.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Jan. 2026
This alliance, Hotez says, is wreaking immeasurable damage to Americans’ trust in science and healthcare.
—Will Carless, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
Max wreaks some more havoc after the excursion by gunning it on the tender while towing guests on the tube.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
As the complaining businesses are no doubt wringing their hands over the setback, shoppers are also bemoaning the havoc that tariffs have wreaked on their pocketbooks as the final week of holiday shopping ramps up.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wreak
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Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Jan. 2026
This alliance, Hotez says, is wreaking immeasurable damage to Americans’ trust in science and healthcare.
—Will Carless, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
Max wreaks some more havoc after the excursion by gunning it on the tender while towing guests on the tube.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
As the complaining businesses are no doubt wringing their hands over the setback, shoppers are also bemoaning the havoc that tariffs have wreaked on their pocketbooks as the final week of holiday shopping ramps up.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wreak
Cite this Entry
“Wreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wreak. Accessed 4 Feb. 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
