English vocabulary · B2
Vengeance
/ˈvɛn.dʒəns/ · n.
It means hurting someone back because they hurt you. It is driven by anger, not fairness.
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Example sentences
- She acted with vengeance after the attack.
- His vengeance cost him everything.
Word origin and roots
from Old French
- venge — punish (from Old French)
Synonyms and nuances
- REVENGE — harm someone back (Personal & Emotional)
- RETRIBUTION — punishment for wrong (Deserved Punishment)
- PAYBACK — getting even (Casual & Direct)
Words with the same root
venge — punish
- avenge — punish someone for a wrong
- revenge — harm someone back
- vindictive — wanting to punish others
Lesson notes
Vengeance. It means hurting someone back because they hurt you. It is driven by anger, not fairness.
Similar words are revenge, retribution, and payback. Use vengeance when the hurt runs very deep.
She acted with vengeance after the attack. His vengeance cost him everything.
From Old French. Venge- means punish. Hurting someone for the pain they caused — that is vengeance.