“Revenge” is a noun that refers to the act of inflicting harm or punishment on someone in return for an injury or wrong suffered. Here are some synonyms and their analyses:
1. Retribution
- Meaning: “Retribution” implies a just or deserved punishment for a wrong that has been committed. It has a more moral or legal connotation than “revenge.” It suggests that the punishment is a fitting response to an offense and is often seen as a way to restore balance or justice. For example, “The criminal finally faced retribution for his heinous crimes.” In contrast to “revenge,” which can be driven by personal emotions like anger and hatred, “retribution” is more about a fair and measured response to an injustice.
- Example: “The court's decision to impose a harsh sentence was seen as retribution for the fraud committed by the businessman.”
2. Vengeance
- Meaning: “Vengeance” is very similar to “revenge” and often implies a more passionate or vengeful desire to harm someone in return for a perceived wrong. It has a stronger emotional undertone and can suggest a more violent or extreme form of retaliation. For example, “He swore vengeance against those who had wronged him and his family.” While “revenge” can be a more general term for getting back at someone, “vengeance” emphasizes the intense and often wrath - filled motivation behind the act.
- Example: “The hero of the story sought vengeance on the villain who had caused so much pain and destruction.”
3. Reprisal
- Meaning: “Reprisal” refers to an act of retaliation, usually in a military or political context. It implies a response to an attack or aggression. For example, “The country launched a military reprisal after its border was violated.” It's not just about personal revenge but is more related to a strategic or organized response to an act of hostility. In a broader sense, it can also be used to describe any kind of retaliatory action in a non - military setting.
- Example: “The workers threatened a strike as a reprisal for the company's unfair labor practices.”
4. Retaliation
- Meaning: “Retaliation” means to respond to an injury or offense with a counter - attack or counter - measure. It can be a physical, verbal, or other form of response. For example, “The bully's victim resorted to retaliation by reporting his behavior to the authorities.” It's a more general term for getting back at someone and can cover a wide range of responses, from a mild rebuke to a more severe form of payback.
- Example: “The company's retaliation against the competitor's price - cutting was to launch a new advertising campaign.”
5. Avenge
- Meaning: “Avenge” is a verb that means to take revenge for a wrong or an injury, usually on behalf of someone else. For example, “He vowed to avenge his brother's death.” It often implies a sense of justice and a desire to right a wrong that has been done to another person. It's related to “revenge” but focuses more on the act of seeking justice for a victim.
- Example: “The knight set out to avenge the honor of his lady, who had been insulted by a rival.”