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/ri venj"/, v., revenged, revenging, n.v.t.1. to exact punishment or expiation for a wrong on behalf of, esp. in a resentful or vindictive spirit: He revenged his murdered brother.2. to take vengeance for; inflict punishment for; avenge: He revenged his brother's murder.v.i.3. to take revenge.n.4. the act of revenging; retaliation for injuries or wrongs; vengeance.5. something done in vengeance.6. the desire to revenge; vindictiveness.7. an opportunity to retaliate or gain satisfaction.[1350-1400; ME revengen (v.) < MF, OF revenger, equiv. to re- RE- + venger to AVENGE < L vindicare; see VINDICATE]Syn. 1. See avenge. 4. requital. REVENGE, REPRISAL, RETRIBUTION, VENGEANCE suggest a punishment, or injury inflicted in return for one received. REVENGE is the carrying out of a bitter desire to injure another for a wrong done to oneself or to those who are felt to be like oneself: to plot revenge. REPRISAL, formerly any act of retaliation, is used specifically in warfare for retaliation upon the enemy for its (usually unlawful) actions: to make a raid in reprisal for one by the enemy. RETRIBUTION suggests just or deserved punishment, often without personal motives, for some evil done: a just retribution for wickedness. VENGEANCE is usually wrathful, vindictive, furious revenge: implacable vengeance.
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Universalium. 2010.