avenge
UK: əˈvɛndʒ | US: əˈvɛndʒ
vt. to inflict harm in return for an injury or wrong; to seek retribution
vt. to punish or exact satisfaction for a wrong on behalf of oneself or another
avenge = a<to, toward> + venge<punish>
- a<to, toward>: A reduced form of the Old French prefix "a-" (from Latin "ad-"), indicating direction or intensity.
- venge<punish>: Derived from Old French "venger" (to punish, avenge), from Latin "vindicare" (to claim, avenge), combining "vis" (force) + "dicare" (to proclaim).
Etymology Origin:
The word "avenge" entered English via Old French in the 13th century, originally meaning "to vindicate" or "punish wrongdoing." The prefix "a-" intensifies the root "venge," reflecting a focused act of retribution. Latin "vindicare" (source of "vengeance") ties to asserting justice through force, a concept embedded in legal and moral contexts. Over time, "avenge" narrowed to emphasize personal or proxy retaliation.
He swore to avenge his brother's death.
The hero sought to avenge the fallen villagers.
She avenged the insult with a swift rebuttal.
In the story, the prince avenges his father's murder.
Their army marched to avenge the betrayal.