Definition of revenge

The word "revenge" has its roots in Old French, where it was spelled "revenge" and derived from the Latin phrase "venire in" or "veniri," meaning "to come or arrive." In the 12th century, the word "revenge" referred to the act of seeking to injure or punish someone in return for a perceived wrongdoing. This idea of retaliatory justice was deeply ingrained in medieval European law and culture. Over time, the concept of revenge evolved to encompass a range of emotions and motivations, from righteous indignation to raw aggression. By the 14th century, the word "revenge" had taken on its modern connotation, describing a quest for vengeance or compensation often driven by feelings of anger, hurt, or betrayal. Today, the word "revenge" is used in both positive and negative contexts, reflecting the complexity and nuance of human emotions.