WREAK


Meaning of WREAK in English

v.

Pronunciation: ' r ē k also ' rek

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English wreken, from Old English wrecan to drive, punish, avenge; akin to Old High German rehhan to avenge and perhaps to Latin urg ē re to drive on, urge

Date: before 12th century

1 a archaic : AVENGE b : to cause the infliction of (vengeance or punishment)

2 : to give free play or course to (malevolent feeling)

3 : BRING ABOUT , CAUSE < wreak havoc>

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.