Search Dictionary
Definition of avenge

avenge

/əˈvɛndʒ/
a · venge
Adjective:avengeful
•
Past Simple:avenged
•
Past Participle:avenged
•
Present Participle:avenging
JUMP TO:

avenge Lexical Profile

avenge Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To inflict harm or punishment in return for an injury or wrong done to oneself or another.

Example

"The basketball team was determined to avenge their earlier defeat in the championship finals."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for avenge
Antonyms
View all antonyms for avenge

Word Nuance & Usage

'Avenge' and 'revenge' are often confused: 'avenge' is primarily a verb meaning to seek justice or fair retribution (often on behalf of someone else), whereas 'revenge' is most commonly used as a noun referring to personal, vindictive retaliation.

• Rhymes for avenge

• Nearby Words

avast
avatar
ave
avenge
avenger
avenue
aver

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into Middle English from Old French 'avengier', derived from Latin 'vindicare' (to claim, set free, or punish), which is also the root of 'vindicate' and 'vengeance'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Avenge. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/avenge
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.