First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1revenge
verb re·venge \ri-ˈvenj\
re·vengedre·veng·ing
Definition of REVENGE
transitive verb
1
: to avenge (as oneself) usually by retaliating in kind or degree
2
: to inflict injury in return for <revenge an insult>
— re·veng·er noun
See revenge defined for English-language learners
See revenge defined for kids
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Origin of REVENGE
Middle English, from Anglo-French revenger, revengier, from re- + venger to avenge — more at vengeance
Rhymes with REVENGE
2revenge
noun
: the act of doing something to hurt someone because that person did something that hurt you
: the act of defeating an opponent who has defeated you in the past
Full Definition of REVENGE
1
: a desire for revenge <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>
See revenge defined for English-language learners
Origin of REVENGE
Middle French revenge, revenche, from revengier, revenchier to revenge
First Known Use: circa 1547
Related to REVENGE
- Synonyms
- payback, reprisal, requital, retaliation, retribution, vengeance
REVENGE Defined for Kids
1revenge
verb re·venge \ri-ˈvenj\
re·vengedre·veng·ing
Definition of REVENGE for Kids
: to cause harm or injury in return for <He'll revenge the insult.>
2revenge
noun
Definition of REVENGE for Kids
1
: an act or instance of causing harm or injury in return for a wrong <… she would be instrumental in helping the rat work his revenge. — Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux>
2
: a desire to cause harm or injury in return for a wrong <She was motivated by revenge.>
3
: a chance for getting satisfaction <The team sought revenge through a rematch.>
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