To avenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To avenge" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of seeking retribution for a wrong or injury. Example: "He vowed to avenge his brother's death." Alternative expressions include "to take revenge" and "to seek retribution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sons scheming to avenge fathers.

The New York Times

Their mission to avenge remains on course.

The Guardian - Sport

Iran has vowed to avenge their deaths.

The New York Times

He begged fans to avenge him.

The New Yorker

I fought to avenge my father.

The Guardian

Instead, they sought to avenge the rape.

The New York Times - Books

I killed to avenge my father".

The Guardian

He wants to avenge her death.

The New Yorker

I would definitely like to avenge the loss.

Independent

Islamic Jihad threatened to avenge the Israeli attack.

The New York Times

Edward had his father and brother to avenge.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to avenge" when the action is driven by a sense of justice or honor, rather than pure malice. This can add a layer of moral complexity to the narrative.

Common error

Do not use "to avenge" when a simple correction or compensation is sufficient. "To avenge" implies a significant wrong and a deeply felt need for retribution, which should align with the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to avenge" functions primarily as an infinitive verb phrase, indicating purpose or intention. It describes the reason or motivation behind an action, such as fighting or seeking justice. Ludwig shows many examples in contexts where someone wants to right a wrong.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to avenge" is a frequently used infinitive verb phrase that conveys the intention to seek retribution for a wrong. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears most commonly in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register while expressing a strong sense of purpose. While grammatically correct, it's essential to ensure the context justifies the gravity implied by the phrase, distinguishing it from simpler acts of correction or compensation. Alternative phrases like "to retaliate for" or "to seek retribution for" can provide nuanced alternatives, depending on the specific shade of meaning intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to take vengeance for

Focuses more directly on the act of taking vengeance, highlighting the retributive aspect.

to seek retribution for

Emphasizes the pursuit of justice and compensation for a wrong.

to retaliate for

Specifically indicates a direct response to an action, often aggressive.

to get even for

Implies a desire to balance the scales after being wronged.

to exact revenge for

Highlights the forceful extraction of revenge as a form of satisfaction.

to vindicate by retaliation

Combines the ideas of vindication and retaliatory action to correct an injustice.

to right the wrong through revenge

Highlights the use of revenge as a means to correct an injustice.

to settle the score for

Suggests a desire to balance a debt or injustice through retaliatory action.

to repay in kind for

Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of revenge, returning harm with harm.

to punish the offender for

Focuses on punishing the wrongdoer, which is a key component of seeking vengeance.

FAQs

How is "to avenge" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "to avenge" is used to describe the act of retaliating for a wrong or injury. For example, "He swore "to avenge" his father's death" indicates a vow to seek retribution.

What are some alternatives to using "to avenge"?

You can use alternatives like "to retaliate", "to seek retribution", or "to take vengeance" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is there a difference between "to avenge" and "to take revenge"?

While closely related, "to avenge" often implies a moral justification or a sense of duty, whereas "to take revenge" can simply indicate a desire for personal satisfaction through retaliation, without necessarily having a higher moral ground.

Can "to avenge" be used in a positive context?

While "to avenge" typically refers to responding to negative actions, it can be seen as positive when the action is perceived as righting a severe wrong and restoring justice. The morality depends on the context and the justification for the act.