wreak Definition
- 1cause (a large amount of damage or harm)
- 2inflict (vengeance or punishment)
Using wreak: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "wreak" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The storm wreaked havoc on the small town.
Example
The virus has wreaked havoc on the economy.
Example
He vowed to wreak vengeance on his enemies.
Example
The dictator wreaked terror on his people.
wreak Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with wreak
Example
The tornado wreaked havoc on the small town.
wreak vengeance
inflict punishment or revenge
Example
The hero vowed to wreak vengeance on the villain.
Example
The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the global economy.
Origins of wreak
from Old English 'wrecan', meaning 'to drive, punish'
Summary: wreak in Brief
The verb 'wreak' [riːk] means to cause a large amount of damage or harm, or to inflict vengeance or punishment. It is often used in phrases like 'wreak havoc,' which means to cause chaos and destruction, and 'wreak vengeance,' which means to inflict punishment or revenge. Examples include 'The storm wreaked havoc on the small town' and 'He vowed to wreak vengeance on his enemies.'