C1noun2K

Revenge

UK /["/rɪˈvendʒ/"]/US /["/rɪˈvendʒ/"]/

Definition

something that you do in order to make somebody suffer because they have made you suffer

In simple words: Harming someone because they hurt you.

Examples

  • He sought revenge against those who had betrayed him.
  • The movie's plot revolves around a father's revenge for his son's murder.
  • Revenge can sometimes perpetuate an endless cycle of violence.
  • In history, some wars were fought primarily for revenge rather than political gain.
  • She took revenge by exposing the truth about the corrupt official.

Usage notes

Often used in stories or discussions about conflict. It's generally seen as negative and not recommended to seek revenge in real life. Avoid in professional and polite conversations.

Grammar pattern

revenge + object

Memory hint

Think of 'rev' in revenge as 'revving up' your anger to get back at someone.

Collocations

  • sweet
  • seek
  • want
  • plot
  • attack
  • killing
  • fantasy
  • in revenge
  • revenge for
  • revenge on
  • an act of revenge
  • a desire for revenge
  • sweet
  • seek
  • want
  • plot
  • attack
  • killing
  • fantasy
  • in revenge
  • revenge for
  • revenge on
  • an act of revenge
  • a desire for revenge

Synonyms

  • vengeance
  • retaliation
  • retribution
  • payback
  • reprisal

Antonyms

  • forgiveness
  • reconciliation
  • pardon

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'revenge' with 'vengeance' as they have slightly different uses.
  • Using 'revenge' as a noun without a clear action (e.g., 'I want revenge' is okay, but 'I seek revenge on him' is unnatural).
  • Mixing up the meaning with 'retaliation' which has a more immediate context.