wreaked; wreaking; wreaks
1
: bring about, cause
wreak havoc
2
a
: to cause the infliction of (vengeance or punishment)
b
archaic
: avenge
3
: to give free play or course to (malevolent feeling)
Did you know?
In its early days, wreak was synonymous with avenge, a meaning exemplified when Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus proclaims "We will solicit heaven, and move the gods / To send down Justice for to wreak our wrongs." This sense is now archaic, but the association hasn't been lost: although wreak is today most often paired with havoc, it is also still sometimes paired with vengeance. We humbly suggest you avoid wreaking either, no matter how badly you may crave your just deserts.
Examples of wreak in a Sentence
Gangs have been wreaking mayhem in the city.
Recent Examples on the Web
The renowned killer known as the Baba Yaga returned to wreak more violent havoc for three more movies: 2017's John Wick: Chapter 2, 2019's John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum, and 2023's John Wick: Chapter 4.
—
Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Byron Callan, aerospace and defense analyst with Capital Alpha Partners
The U.S. got a taste of the damage that tariffs wreak after the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff in 2018 on most steel imports and a 10% levy on aluminum.
—Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
The Celts believed that the boundary between our world and the spirit world was thinnest on those days, and that residents of the netherworld could cross into this one to wreak some havoc.
—Aaron Mahnke, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024
Highway shootings:Deadly violence on America's highways wreaks fear, havoc, and frustration
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8
Search for I-75 shooting suspect resumes with federal, state assistance
Early Sunday morning, officers assembled outside of the search area and began canvassing the dense forestry.
—Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 21 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for wreak 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Byron Callan, aerospace and defense analyst with Capital Alpha Partners
The U.S. got a taste of the damage that tariffs wreak after the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff in 2018 on most steel imports and a 10% levy on aluminum.
—Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
The Celts believed that the boundary between our world and the spirit world was thinnest on those days, and that residents of the netherworld could cross into this one to wreak some havoc.
—Aaron Mahnke, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024
Highway shootings:Deadly violence on America's highways wreaks fear, havoc, and frustration
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8
Search for I-75 shooting suspect resumes with federal, state assistance
Early Sunday morning, officers assembled outside of the search area and began canvassing the dense forestry.
—Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 21 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for wreak
Articles Related to wreak
Dictionary Entries Near wreak
Cite this Entry
“Wreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wreak. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wreak
verb
: to bring down in or as if in punishment
wreak revenge on the enemy
the storm wreaked destruction
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share