Revenge vs. Vengeance — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 18, 2023
Revenge refers to the act of harming someone in retaliation for a wrong done to you, often personal in nature. Vengeance is a broader term, signifying retribution or punishment inflicted on behalf of oneself or others.
Difference Between Revenge and Vengeance
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Key Differences
Revenge and Vengeance are two words often used interchangeably, but there are subtle distinctions between them. Revenge is the act of harming someone in response to a perceived wrong against you. It is usually personal and fueled by emotions like anger or betrayal. Vengeance, on the other hand, is a broader term, relating to the act of retribution or punishment, often for moral, ethical, or legal reasons.
Both Revenge and Vengeance involve inflicting harm or suffering on someone as a form of payback. However, the reasons behind the act can vary. Revenge is often more emotional and personal, rooted in a sense of wrong done to an individual. Vengeance may or may not be personal but can also stem from a sense of justice or duty.
Revenge often has a narrower focus, targeting the specific individual or group that caused the harm. It is commonly driven by personal feelings and emotions. Vengeance may involve a larger scale, possibly targeting communities or groups, and might be motivated by ethical or religious convictions.
In terms of legal and moral frameworks, Revenge is usually less accepted, given its emotional and personal nature. Vengeance, when exercised within legal bounds, can sometimes be considered justifiable, especially if it is motivated by a broader sense of justice or righteousness.
Comparison Chart
Scope
Personal
Broader, possibly communal
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Motivation
Emotional, personal
Moral, ethical, or legal
Legal/Moral Standing
Often frowned upon
Sometimes justifiable
Focus
Specific individual/group
May include larger groups
Emotional Involvement
Usually emotional
May or may not be emotional
Compare with Definitions
Revenge
An emotional response to a perceived wrong.
Revenge fueled her actions.
Vengeance
Punishment inflicted in retaliation.
He exacted vengeance on the invaders.
Revenge
A personal vendetta against someone.
His quest for revenge consumed him.
Vengeance
An act of reprisal, often for moral reasons.
Vengeance was served cold.
Revenge
Retaliation for a personal wrong.
He sought revenge for the insult.
Vengeance
The administering of deserved punishment.
With vengeance, justice was fulfilled.
Revenge
Revenge is defined as the act of committing a harmful action against a person or group in response to a grievance, be it real or perceived. Francis Bacon described revenge as a kind of "wild justice" that "does...
Vengeance
An intense form of retribution.
She sought vengeance for her family's suffering.
Revenge
To inflict punishment in return for (injury or insult).
Vengeance
Revenge taken on a larger scale.
Vengeance swept through the community.
Revenge
(Archaic) To seek or take vengeance for (oneself or another person); avenge.
Vengeance
Punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong
Voters are ready to wreak vengeance on all politicians
Revenge
The act of taking vengeance for injuries or wrongs; retaliation
Took revenge on her tormentors.
Vengeance
Infliction of punishment in return for a wrong committed; retribution.
Revenge
A desire for revenge; spite or vindictiveness
He did it out of revenge.
Vengeance
Revenge taken for an insult, injury, or other wrong.
Revenge
An opportunity to retaliate, as by a return sports match after a defeat
After the loss, he demanded that he be given his revenge.
Vengeance
Desire for revenge.
Revenge
Something done in retaliation, especially a defeat of a rival who has been victorious.
Vengeance
Punishment inflicted in return for an injury or an offense; retribution; - often, in a bad sense, passionate or unrestrained revenge.
To me belongeth vengeance and recompense.
To execute fierce vengeance on his foes.
Revenge
Any form of personal, retaliatory action against an individual, institution, or group for some alleged or perceived harm or injustice.
Indifference is the sweetest revenge.
When I left my wife, she tried to set fire to the house in revenge.
Vengeance
Harm; mischief.
Revenge
A win by a previous loser.
Vengeance
The act of taking revenge (harming someone in retaliation for something harmful that they have done) especially in the next life;
Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord
For vengeance I would do nothing. This nation is too great to look for mere revenge
He swore vengeance on the man who betrayed him
The swiftness of divine retribution
Revenge
(transitive) To take revenge for (a particular harmful action) or on behalf of (its victim); to avenge.
Arsenal revenged their loss to Manchester United last time with a 5–0 drubbing this time.
Revenge
To take one's revenge (on or upon someone).
Revenge
To take vengeance; to revenge itself.
Revenge
To inflict harm in return for, as an injury, insult, etc.; to exact satisfaction for, under a sense of injury; to avenge; - followed either by the wrong received, or by the person or thing wronged, as the object, or by the reciprocal pronoun as direct object, and a preposition before the wrong done or the wrongdoer.
To revenge the death of our fathers.
The gods are just, and will revenge our cause.
Come, Antony, and young Octavius, come,Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius.
Revenge
To inflict injury for, in a spiteful, wrong, or malignant spirit; to wreak vengeance for maliciously.
Revenge
To take vengeance; - with
Revenge
The act of revenging; vengeance; retaliation; a returning of evil for evil.
Certainly, in taking revenge, a man is even with his enemy; but in passing it over he is superior.
Revenge
The disposition to revenge; a malignant wishing of evil to one who has done us an injury.
Revenge now goesTo lay a complot to betray thy foes.
The indulgence of revenge tends to make men more savage and cruel.
Revenge
Action taken in return for an injury or offense
Revenge
Take revenge for a perceived wrong;
He wants to avenge the murder of his brother
Revenge
An act of settling a score.
She took revenge on her cheating partner.
Revenge
Inflicting harm to satisfy personal grievance.
His revenge was carefully planned.
Common Curiosities
Is Revenge legally or morally accepted?
Revenge is generally less accepted in legal and moral frameworks due to its personal nature.
Can Vengeance be impersonal?
Vengeance can be impersonal, driven by moral, ethical, or legal reasons.
Can Vengeance be legally justified?
Vengeance can sometimes be justified legally, especially if it is in pursuit of justice.
Can Vengeance target larger communities?
Yes, Vengeance can target larger communities or groups.
What is Revenge?
Revenge is the act of harming someone in retaliation for a personal wrong done to you.
Is Revenge always personal?
Revenge is usually personal and is often driven by emotions like anger or betrayal.
Is Revenge emotionally driven?
Revenge is often emotionally driven, rooted in a sense of personal wrong.
What is Vengeance?
Vengeance is retribution or punishment inflicted, often on behalf of oneself or others.
Can Vengeance be unemotional?
Vengeance can be unemotional, guided by ethical or legal considerations.
Are Revenge and Vengeance synonyms?
While often used interchangeably, Revenge and Vengeance have nuanced differences.
Can one seek Vengeance for someone else?
Yes, one can seek Vengeance on behalf of someone else or a larger group.
Is Revenge focused on specific individuals?
Yes, Revenge usually targets specific individuals or groups that have caused harm.
Is Vengeance about settling scores?
Vengeance is broader and may not necessarily be about settling personal scores.
Can Revenge be premeditated?
Yes, Revenge can be carefully planned and premeditated.
Does Revenge settle personal scores?
Yes, Revenge often aims to settle personal scores.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
