I. rə̇ˈvenj, rēˈ- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English revengen, from Middle French revengier, revenchier, from Old French, from re- + vengier, venchier to avenge — more at vengeance
transitive verb
1. : to inflict harm or injury in return for (as an injury or insult) : exact satisfaction for under a sense of injury
revenge his father's murder
the gods are just, and will revenge our cause — John Dryden
2. : to avenge or seek vengeance for a wrong done (oneself or another)
revenge oneself on one's enemies
3. obsolete : punish
intransitive verb
: to take vengeance — usually used with upon
Synonyms: see avenge
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French revenge, revenche, from revengier, revenchier to revenge
1. : the disposition or desire to seek vengeance
a prey to revenge
also : the gratification of such a desire
determined to have his revenge
2. : an act or instance of revenging or returning evil for evil : vindictive retaliation
a terrible revenge
3. obsolete
a. : avenging
none would strike a stroke in his revenge — Shakespeare
b. : punishment
4. : an opportunity of getting satisfaction or retrieving oneself (as by a return match)
give one his revenge