wreak

verb

\ ˈrēk

also ˈrek

wreaked; wreaking; wreaks

Definition of wreak

transitive verb

1 : bring about, cause wreak havoc

2a : to cause the infliction of (vengeance or punishment)

b archaic : avenge

3 : to give free play or course to (malevolent feeling)

Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about wreak

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Did You Know?

Wreak is a venerable word that first appeared in Old English as wrecan, meaning "to drive, drive out, punish, or avenge." "Wrecan" is related to a number of similar words in the Germanic languages, including Middle Dutch "wreken" ("to punish, avenge"), Old High German rehhan ("to avenge"), Old Norse "reka" ("to drive, push, or avenge"), and Gothic "wrikan" ("to persecute"). It may also be related to Latin urgēre ("to drive on, urge"), the source of the English verb "urge." In modern English, vengeance is a common object of the verb "wreak," reflecting one of its earlier uses in the sense "to take vengeance for" - as when Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus proclaims "We will solicit heaven, and move the gods / To send down Justice for to wreak our wrongs."

Examples of wreak in a Sentence

Gangs have been wreaking mayhem in the city.

Recent Examples on the Web

Negative externalities Could a band of social scientists really wreak so much havoc? — The Economist, "When economists ruled the world," 31 Aug. 2019 Such a lineup may suffer a touch offensively without the sharpshooter of Reddick, though its collective length should wreak havoc throughout the Eastern Conference. — Michael Shapiro, SI.com, "Can the Sixers Reach the Finals After a Whirlwind Year?," 30 Aug. 2019 Multiple reports have found that leaving the EU without an exit plan in place could wreak havoc on the British economy. — Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Queen Approves a Suspension of Parliament amid Brexit Controversy," 29 Aug. 2019 But is there any reason to believe that CBD could wreak such havoc? — Mike Adams, chicagotribune.com, "Will using CBD cause me to fail a drug test?," 27 Aug. 2019 To say that festival-goers wreaked havoc on their wardrobes could be an understatement, but that, combined with the right treatment of an outfit is destined to be a win-win. — Teen Vogue, "31 Stylish People at AfroPunk 2019 on What Punk Means To Them," 26 Aug. 2019 But Jaguars rookie defensive end/outside linebacker Josh Allen — the seventh pick in April’s draft — was unquestionably the best player on the field on Thursday night, wreaking havoc on Miami’s protection. — Safid Deen, sun-sentinel.com, "Ryan Fitzpatrick struggles mightily vs. Jaguars, forcing Brian Flores to re-evaluate Dolphins’ starting quarterback job," 23 Aug. 2019 Asia last saw a super typhoon in September, when Super Typhoon Mangkhut wreaked havoc across China, Hong Kong and the Philippines. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN, "Dozens killed after Typhoon Lekima makes landfall in eastern China," 11 Aug. 2019 In an economic conflict, there are more decision-makers, more chances for trembling hands, and less of an understanding of the carnage that can be wreaked from an all-out economic conflict. — Daniel W. Drezner, Twin Cities, "Daniel Drezner: This trade war will get out of control," 7 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wreak.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for wreak

Middle English wreken "to drive out, avenge, vent, express (anger, etc.)," going back to Old English wrecan "to press forward, drive out, banish, avenge, punish," going back to Germanic *wrekan- "to drive out, pursue" (whence Old Saxon wrekan "to avenge," Old High German rehhan, Old Norse reka "to drive, thrust, take vengeance," Gothic wrikan "to persecute"), of uncertain origin

Note: Placed by some under Indo-European *u̯reg- "follow a track" (whence, allegedly, Sanskrit vrajant- "wandering," Latin urgēre "to press, weigh down"), though the semantic relations between compared forms are not close.

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More Definitions for wreak

wreak

verb

English Language Learners Definition of wreak

: to cause (something very harmful or damaging)

See the full definition for wreak in the English Language Learners Dictionary

wreak

verb

\ ˈrēk

wreaked; wreaking

Kids Definition of wreak

: to bring down as or as if punishment The storm wreaked destruction.

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wreak

Definition of wreak

Did You Know?

Examples of wreak in a Sentence

First Known Use of wreak

History and Etymology for wreak

English Language Learners Definition of wreak

Kids Definition of wreak

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