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revenge

Pronunciation: /rɪˈvɛn(d)ʒ/
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Definition of revenge

noun

[mass noun]
  • the action of hurting or harming someone in return for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands:other spurned wives have taken public revenge on their husbands
  • the desire to repay an injury or wrong:it was difficult not to be overwhelmed with feelings of hate and revenge
  • (in sporting contexts) the defeat of a person or team by whom one was beaten in a previous encounter:Zimbabwe snatched the game 18-16, but the Spanish had their revenge later

verb

(revenge oneself or be revenged) chiefly literary
  • inflict hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong done to oneself:I’ll be revenged on the whole pack of you
  • [with object] inflict revenge on behalf of (someone else):it’s a pity he chose that way to revenge his sister
  • inflict retribution for (a wrong or injury done to oneself or another):her brother was slain, and she revenged his death

Phrases

revenge is a dish best served (or eaten) cold

proverb vengeance is often more satisfying if it is not exacted immediately.

Derivatives

revenger

noun ( literary)

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French revencher, from late Latin revindicare, from re- (expressing intensive force) + vindicare 'claim, avenge'

revenge in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of revenge in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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