Meaning of the Word
“Vengeance” refers to the act of seeking revenge or punishment in return for a wrong or injury, often with a desire for retribution or justice. It is typically an intense, emotional response to being harmed or wronged.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- The punishment or retribution inflicted on someone for a wrong or injury, especially as an act of retaliation.
- The act of seeking revenge or retribution, often carried out with a strong desire for justice.
- A violent or harsh act intended to repay a perceived wrong.
History and Origin
The word “vengeance” comes from the Old French vengeance (12th century), derived from venger, meaning “to avenge,” which in turn comes from the Latin vindicare, meaning “to claim, avenge, or protect.” The concept of vengeance has deep roots in history and mythology, often tied to justice and the idea of balance, where the harm done must be repaid to restore equilibrium. Throughout literature and historical texts, vengeance has been portrayed as both a virtue (for justice) and a vice (when it leads to excessive or immoral acts).
Detailed Explanation
Vengeance is a strong, often emotional response to a perceived wrong. It involves taking action to punish someone in retaliation for a harm or injury. While the term is often associated with violent or harsh actions, it can also refer to less extreme forms of retribution. The desire for vengeance is typically rooted in feelings of anger, betrayal, or a sense of injustice, and it is sometimes seen as a way of restoring balance or achieving justice. However, vengeance can lead to cycles of violence, making it a complex and morally ambiguous concept in both legal and cultural contexts.
Example Sentences
- After the betrayal, he swore to take vengeance on those who had wronged him.
- The hero sought vengeance against the villain for the destruction of his village.
- The idea of vengeance consumed her, but she knew it would only bring more pain.
- He acted out of vengeance, striking back at those who had caused him harm.
- The cycle of vengeance continued, with each side seeking retribution for past wrongs.
- Rather than seeking vengeance, she decided to forgive and move on.
- The vengeance was swift and brutal, leaving the enemy with no opportunity for escape.
- He felt a deep thirst for vengeance after the cruel treatment he had endured.
- In the end, vengeance proved hollow, as it did not bring the peace he had expected.
Synonyms with Short Explanations
- Retribution – Punishment or reward given in return for a wrong or action, often as a form of vengeance.
- Revenge – An act of retaliation to inflict harm or punishment on someone who has wronged you.
- Payback – Informal term for revenge or retaliation, often with a focus on returning harm in kind.
- Justice – The moral principle of righting a wrong, which may sometimes be associated with vengeance in specific contexts.
- Avengement – The act of avenging a wrong, similar to vengeance but less commonly used.
Related Words with Short Explanations
- Anger – A strong emotion often associated with the desire for vengeance.
- Hatred – Intense dislike, which may fuel the desire for vengeance.
- Retaliation – The action of returning a wrong with another wrong, akin to vengeance.
- Forgiveness – The opposite of vengeance, involving letting go of a desire for retribution.
- Revengeful – Describing someone who seeks or desires vengeance.
More Matches with Short Explanations
- Punishment – The penalty imposed in response to a wrongdoing, sometimes seen as a form of vengeance.
- Reprisal – A retaliatory action or counterattack in response to an injury, often used in the context of vengeance.
- Retaliate – To make an attack or take action in response to a wrong, similar to seeking vengeance.
- Vindictiveness – A desire or tendency to seek vengeance, often associated with malice.
- Blood feud – A long-standing conflict between families or groups, often involving acts of vengeance.
Antonyms
- Forgiveness
- Pardon
- Mercy
- Reconciliation
- Compassion
