Avenge oneself is a phrase that is often used when someone seeks revenge for a perceived wrongdoing. The act of avenging oneself can be seen as a way to restore justice and balance, but it can also lead to negative consequences. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of avenge oneself, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
To avenge oneself means to take revenge for a perceived wrong or injury. It is the act of retaliating against someone who has harmed or wronged you. The act of avenging oneself can take many forms, from verbal attacks to physical violence.
Origin
The word “avenge” comes from the Latin word “vindicare,” which means “to claim, avenge, or punish.” The word “oneself” is a reflexive pronoun that refers to the person who is seeking revenge. The phrase “avenge oneself” has been used in English since the 16th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, to avenge oneself means “to take revenge on behalf of oneself for a wrong or injury suffered.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to inflict harm in return for an injury or wrong done.” Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “to do harm to someone in return for harm that they have done to you.”
Associations
The act of avenging oneself is often associated with violence, anger, and revenge. It can be seen as a way to restore justice and balance, but it can also lead to negative consequences. Seeking revenge can escalate a situation and lead to further harm.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for avenge oneself include retaliate, get even, payback, and revenge.
Antonyms
Antonyms for avenge oneself include forgive, forget, reconcile, and make amends.
The same root words
The word “avenge” comes from the Latin word “vindicare,” which also gave rise to the words “vindictive” and “vindication.”
Example Sentences
- After being fired, he vowed to avenge himself against his former boss.
- She was determined to avenge herself for the injustice that had been done to her.
- The hero of the story sought to avenge his family’s honor.
- The criminal sought to avenge himself against the person who had betrayed him.
The act of avenging oneself can be seen as a way to restore justice and balance, but it can also lead to negative consequences. Seeking revenge can escalate a situation and lead to further harm. It is important to consider the consequences of our actions and seek peaceful solutions whenever possible.