Avenge is a word that is often used in movies, books, and everyday conversations. It is a word that is associated with revenge, justice, and retribution. But what does it really mean? In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of avenge, its origin, synonyms, and antonyms, as well as its associations and usage in different contexts.
Definitions
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, avenge means “to take revenge for or on behalf of”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to inflict harm in return for (an injury or wrong done to oneself or another)”. In simple terms, avenge means to retaliate or seek revenge for a perceived wrong or injustice.
Origin
The word avenge has its roots in the Latin word “vindicare”, which means “to claim, avenge, or punish”. The word was later adopted into Old French as “avenger”, and then into Middle English as “avenge”. The word has been in use for centuries, and its meaning has evolved over time.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In addition to the Merriam-Webster and Oxford English dictionaries, other dictionaries also define avenge. The Cambridge Dictionary defines avenge as “to punish someone for harming or killing someone else, or to get revenge for a wrong suffered”. The Collins English Dictionary defines it as “to take revenge on behalf of (someone else) or for (oneself or another)”. These definitions show that avenge is a word that is associated with revenge and justice.
Associations
Avenge is often associated with revenge, justice, and retribution. It is a word that is used in situations where someone has been wronged and seeks to retaliate. It is also associated with the concept of “an eye for an eye”, where the punishment should match the crime.
Synonyms
There are many synonyms for avenge, including retaliate, revenge, vindicate, redress, and retribution. These words all have similar meanings and are often used interchangeably with avenge.
Antonyms
The antonyms of avenge are words that have the opposite meaning, such as forgive, pardon, and absolve. These words suggest a willingness to let go of the desire for revenge and to move on from a perceived wrong.
The same root words
There are several words that have the same root as avenge, including vindicate, revenge, and vengeance. These words all have a similar meaning and are often used in the same context.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the word avenge:
- He vowed to avenge his brother’s death by finding and punishing the killer.
- The superhero vowed to avenge the innocent victims of the villain’s evil plot.
- The soldier sought to avenge his fallen comrades by defeating the enemy in battle.
- The victim’s family demanded that the perpetrator be brought to justice and made to avenge the crime.
- The betrayed lover sought to avenge the betrayal by exposing the cheater’s secrets to the world.