revenge
ruh-VEHNJ
Revenge (noun) means Harm done to someone in return for a wrong they committed against you. Example: “In the novel, the heroine plots a quiet revenge against the neighbour who ruined her garden.”
noun
1
Harm done to someone in return for a wrong they committed against you.
"In the novel, the heroine plots a quiet revenge against the neighbour who ruined her garden."
"She swore revenge on the colleague who had taken credit for her work."
"The whole plot is driven by a father's revenge for his son's murder."
verb
1
To take revenge for something, or on someone's behalf.
"The knight swore to revenge the wrong done to his family."
"She planned to revenge the cruel insult by quietly winning the contest."
"He vowed to revenge his brother's death."
How to use revenge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGetting back at someone who wronged you.
Common mistake
As a verb, "revenge" sounds old-fashioned or literary — in everyday speech people usually say "avenge" or "get revenge on/for" instead.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
take revenge
seek revenge
revenge on someone
sweet revenge
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Word forms
- Plural
- revenges
- Third person singular
- revenges
- Past tense
- revenged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In the novel, the heroine plots a quiet _____ against the neighbour who ruined her garden.
Etymology
From Old French revengier/revenchier, ultimately from Latin vindicare — the same root that gives "vengeance" and "avenge".
Synonyms
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comeuppance
redress
reckoning
get even
tit for tat
an eye for an eye
retaliate
avenge
payback
reprisal
retaliation
requital
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for revenge
See all rhymes for revenge →Frequently asked questions
What does “revenge” mean?
The word “revenge” means harm done to someone in return for a wrong they committed against you. In plain terms, getting back at someone who wronged you.
How do you pronounce “revenge”?
“Revenge” is pronounced ruh-VEHNJ (/ɹəˈvɛnd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “revenge” in a sentence?
Here is “revenge” used in a sentence: “She swore revenge on the colleague who had taken credit for her work.”
What is another word for “revenge”?
Words with a similar meaning to “revenge” include avenge, payback, reprisal, retaliation, requital and retribution.
What part of speech is “revenge”?
Depending on how it is used, “revenge” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “revenge” come from?
The word “revenge” comes from Latin. From Old French revengier/revenchier, ultimately from Latin vindicare — the same root that gives "vengeance" and "avenge".
Is “revenge” a common word?
“Revenge” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “revenge” have?
“Revenge” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: harm done to someone in return for a wrong they committed against you.
What is the difference between revenge and avenge?
"Revenge" is chiefly a noun meaning harm done in return for a wrong, though it can be a verb. "Avenge" is a verb meaning to take just retribution on behalf of someone wronged; you avenge a person or a wrong, but you take revenge.
What is the difference between revenge and vengeance?
Both refer to harm inflicted in return for a wrong. "Revenge" is the more everyday word and works as a noun or verb, while "vengeance" is more formal and intense, often suggesting punishment delivered with strong emotion.
What is the difference between revenge and justice?
Revenge is personal harm returned for a wrong, driven by the wish to get even. Justice is the fair, impartial treatment of a wrong, usually delivered through accepted rules or the law rather than personal retaliation.
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