vengeance
n. uncountablen. the act of hurting someone because they hurt you first. It is a strong desire to get even after being treated badly.
n. punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong. Often carries a literary or dramatic tone and implies a personal rather than legal motivation.
He sought vengeance against the man who lied to him.
After years of planning, the protagonist finally achieved his vengeance by exposing his rival's secrets.
The cycle of violence in the region is fueled by a deep-seated desire for vengeance that spans generations, making diplomatic reconciliation nearly impossible to achieve.
From Anglo-Norman vengeaunce, from Old French vengeance, venjance, from vengier (“to avenge”). Analysable as venge + -ance.
Often follows the verbs 'seek', 'take', or 'wreak'; frequently paired with the preposition 'on' or 'against'.
He took a vengeance on themHe took vengeance on themVengeance is uncountable in this sense and does not take an indefinite article.