French word

vengeance

Pronunciation

IPA/vɑ̃ʒɑ̃s/

Meaning

  • feminine nounrevenge

Example

Il veut sa vengeance.

He wants his revenge.

Illustration for vengeance (revenge)

More examples

Les rumeurs peuvent conduire à la vengeance.

Rumors can lead to revenge.

Core concept

A grievance fuels a planned punishment directed at the person held responsible for it.

Common phrases

  • prendre vengeance sur quelqu'un

    take revenge on someone

  • prendre sa vengeance

    take one's revenge

Similar words

revanche: An act of getting back at someone for what they have done.
rancune: Long-lasting resentment or deep-seated anger toward someone.
riposte: A verbal or physical counterattack in response to an attack or criticism.
réplique: An immediate reply or rebuttal to someone's words or actions.

Definition in French

Sentiment et action visant à punir une personne pour une injustice perçue, souvent motivé par la colère ou le ressentiment.

Word origin

The noun vengeance was formed from Old French venger, meaning to avenge, which continues Latin vindicare through historical sound and form changes.

Usage tips

  • The reflexive phrase se venger de quelqu'un uses de to introduce the person targeted by the revenge.

Other meanings

  • retaliationnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • vengeuravengernoun
  • vengeravengeverb

Word lists with this word