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.
His son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to avenge his death. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 Determined to avenge his boss and save the man’s son (Chaneil Kular) from the same fate, the former cop and Iraq War vet becomes a stowaway on a massive container ship heading out to sea. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026 Prosecutors allege Shakur was killed to avenge the rapper's entourage attacking Davis' nephew, Anderson, a few hours earlier at the MGM Grand after a boxing match involving Mike Tyson. — CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026 Martinez avenged that play with a 9-yard touchdown scramble of his own in the fourth quarter, followed by a 17-yard scoring strike to Watkins for a 41-9 lead. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Avenge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avenge. Accessed 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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