Spanish Conversation · Level 197
15 words
Spanish word
vengar
Pronunciation
IPA/beŋˈgaɾ/
Meaning
- verbtake revenge
Example
Ella quiere vengar a su hermano.
She wants to take revenge for her brother.
More examples
No debes vengar a nadie por una discusión.
You must not take revenge on anyone over an argument.
Core concept
Act of avenging a harmed person, for oneself or another.
Common phrases
vengar a alguien
take revenge on someone
vengar una ofensa
avenge an offense
vengar la muerte de alguien
avenge someone's death
Similar words
vengarse: Takes revenge personally by retaliating directly against the wrongdoer.
desquitarse: Relieves anger by lashing out at the person who caused the harm.
castigar: Punishes someone to make them face consequences for their wrongdoing.
tomar represalias: Takes retaliatory measures against someone in response to their action.
Definition in Spanish
Tomar represalias contra quien ha causado un agravio, ya sea por uno mismo o en nombre de otra persona.
Word origin
From Latin vindicāre via Old Spanish, with the root meaning 'to claim or vindicate' that later narrows to revenge.
Usage tips
- Spanish commonly uses the reflexive 'vengarse de alguien' to say 'take revenge on someone', so expect the reflexive construction in everyday speech.