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Revenge is the act or process of retaliating against or punishing someone for some kind of harm that they caused or wrongdoing that they did (whether real or perceived).

It can also refer to the result of such efforts, as in After all this time, I will have revenge against those who have wronged me!

Revenge often involves an attempt to get even by inflicting similar harm to the person who initially harmed the person seeking revenge. Revenge has several other synonyms that each have different shades of meaning, including retribution, retaliation, and reprisal. But more than these words, revenge implies that such retaliation is personal and motivated by a deep anger and perhaps an obsessive desire to get even.

Revenge is often planned out over a period of time—hitting someone back right after they hit you could be referred to as retaliation, but probably wouldn’t be called revenge. An informal synonym is payback—getting someone back for something they did to you, especially after time has passed.

The related word vengeance can be used as an even more intense synonym for revenge, but it also commonly refers to a desire for revenge, as in He was filled with vengeance.��

Less commonly, revenge can be used as a verb meaning to get revenge, as in I will revenge the theft of my sister’s necklace or I will revenge myself for the crimes committed against me.��

The related word avenge is much more commonly used in this way. To avenge is to get revenge or to inflict some form of punishment in retaliation for harm or wrongdoing done by someone else. However, avenge is more associated with justice and doesn’t always imply the same level of anger that revenge does.

The adjective revengeful is used to describe someone who is determined to get revenge or someone who is inclined to seek revenge—someone who is vindictive. A more commonly used synonym is vengeful.

Example: Revenge never ends well, and becoming obsessed with it is like letting your enemy defeat you yet again.

The first records of the word revenge come from the 1300s. It comes from the Old French revenger, from the Late Latin ���𱹾��Ի徱�������, from the Latin verb �����Ի徱�������, meaning “to protect,” “to avenge,” or “to punish.” The words vengeance, avenge, vindicate, and vindictive are all based on the same root. The re- in revenge and synonyms like retribution, retaliation, and reprisal indicates that these things are done in response or reaction to another action.

The word revenge appears in the expression Revenge is a dish best served cold. This means that revenge is more satisfying when it’s inflicted upon someone long after they committed the original wrongdoing, perhaps because it will then be more unexpected. However, there is another saying: Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves. This suggests that even if you are successful in getting revenge, you will destroy yourself in the process.

What are some other forms related to revenge?

• revengeful (adjective)
• revenger (noun)

What are some synonyms for revenge?

• retaliation
• retribution
• reprisal
• payback
• vengeance
• avenge

What are some words that share a root or word element with revenge?��

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• vengeance
• vengeful
• vindictive
• vindicate

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What are some words that often get used in discussing revenge?

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• murder
• anger
• hatred
• seek
• vow
• plot
• sweet

What are some words ø may be commonly confused with?

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• avenge

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The word revenge is usually used in situations that involve serious wrongdoing, but it’s sometimes used in the context of less serious situations in order to be humorous.

I’m never interested in seeking revenge, I let karma handle that

— 777 (@legend_tallia)

A gentle reminder: The best revenge is no revenge. Heal. Move on. Find happiness.

— Shondaland Digital (@byshondaland)

As we approach the end of another year it's important to take stock, reflect, and start plotting your revenge on all those who have wronged you over the last 12 months.

— alistair green (@mralistairgreen)

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True or False?

The word vengeance can be used as a synonym of revenge.