wreak
transitive verb
- to give vent or free play to (one's anger, malice, rage, etc.)
- to inflict (vengeance), cause (harm or havoc), etc.
- Archaic to avenge
See wreak in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(rēk)
transitive verb wreaked,
wreak·ing,
wreaks - To inflict (vengeance or punishment) upon a person.
- To express or gratify (anger, malevolence, or resentment); vent.
- To bring about; cause: wreak havoc.
- Archaic To take vengeance for; avenge.
Usage Note: Wreak is sometimes confused with
wreck, perhaps because the wreaking of damage may leave a wreck:
The storm wreaked (not wrecked ) havoc along the coast. The past tense and past participle of
wreak is
wreaked, not
wrought, which is an alternative past tense and past participle of
work.Learn more about wreak
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