seek vengeance

USAGE SUMMARY

'seek vengeance' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It implies trying to take revenge on someone who has wronged you. For example: "After being wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn't commit, John vowed to seek vengeance on the person responsible for his false imprisonment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Don't seek vengeance; seek justice".

The New York Times

He said nothing about wanting to seek vengeance.

The New York Times

So when Rodrigue's aging father has been insulted, Rodrigue must seek vengeance.

The New York Times

(Isherwood) 'Le Cid' When Rodrigue's father is insulted, Rodrigue must seek vengeance.

The New York Times

Deza suggests that his remedy for such a betrayal might be to seek vengeance.

The New Yorker

Former associates had preferred to seek vengeance with weapons rather than get help from the police.

Independent

They came for supplies, but also to seek vengeance against both unionists and African Americans.

The New York Times

Last Chance 'Le Cid' (closes on Saturday) When Rodrigue's father is insulted, Rodrigue must seek vengeance.

The New York Times

But he criticized those who seized on the episode to seek vengeance through violence.

The New York Times

** Deza suggests that his remedy for such a betrayal might be to seek vengeance.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Do not seek vengeance/snub the girl who rejects you, even if she's mean to you.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seek vengeance", consider the intensity of the situation. It implies a strong desire for retribution, so ensure it fits the context. For example, instead of saying someone "seeks vengeance" for a minor inconvenience, it might be more appropriate to say they "seek resolution" or "compensation".

Common error

Avoid using "seek vengeance" in situations where justice or resolution is more appropriate. Vengeance implies a personal and often disproportionate response, whereas justice aims for fairness and balance. Ensure the context warrants such a strong reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek vengeance" functions as a verb phrase, where "seek" is the main verb and "vengeance" is the direct object. It expresses the act of pursuing or attempting to obtain revenge, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Huffington Post

17%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek vengeance" is a common and grammatically correct expression signifying the pursuit of retribution. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to convey a strong intent to retaliate for perceived wrongs. While present in diverse contexts, it frequently appears in News & Media and Encyclopedic sources, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. Related phrases include "pursue retribution" and "desire revenge". When using the phrase, writers should be mindful of the intensity it conveys, ensuring it aligns with the gravity of the situation. Misusing it in trivial contexts can be a common error. Overall, "seek vengeance" remains a potent and readily understood phrase for expressing the desire for revenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take revenge

A more direct and forceful expression of seeking vengeance.

pursue retribution

Emphasizes a more formal or just form of retaliation.

desire revenge

Highlights the internal feeling or wish for revenge.

avenge oneself

Focuses on personally taking revenge for a wrong done to oneself.

hunt down payback

Suggests a determined and active pursuit of retribution.

exact revenge

Focuses on the act of inflicting revenge.

settle the score

Implies a desire to balance a past wrong.

get even

An informal way of expressing the desire for revenge.

vindicate oneself

Focuses on clearing one's name or honor, which can be a motive for seeking vengeance.

cry for justice

Highlights the feeling of injustice that drives the desire for revenge.

FAQs

What does "seek vengeance" mean?

To "seek vengeance" means to actively pursue revenge or retribution for a perceived wrong. It implies a strong desire to punish the person or entity responsible for causing harm or suffering.

What are some synonyms for "seek vengeance"?

Alternatives to "seek vengeance" include "pursue retribution", "desire revenge", or "take revenge", depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

How do I use "seek vengeance" in a sentence?

You can use "seek vengeance" in a sentence like this: "After the attack, the hero vowed to "seek vengeance" on those who wronged him", or "The victim's family decided to "seek vengeance" through legal channels".

What is the difference between "seek vengeance" and "seek justice"?

"Seek vengeance" implies a personal and often emotional desire to punish someone for a wrong, while "seek justice" implies a desire for a fair and impartial resolution, often through legal or formal means. The phrase "cry for justice" suggests an appeal for what is fair or right, which is different than taking matters into your own hands.