vengeance etymology

Etymology:

  • Old French: vengeance
  • Latin: vindico, vindictum ("to claim, to avenge")
  • Proto-Indo-European: wegh-, weng- ("to strike, to conquer")

Meaning:

Vengeance is the act of exacting retribution or punishment for a perceived wrong or injury. It is often driven by feelings of anger, resentment, or a desire for justice.

Origin:

The concept of vengeance has existed in human societies since ancient times. In many early cultures, vengeance was seen as a legitimate and necessary response to harm. The lex talionis, or "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" principle, was widely practiced as a form of retribution.

In some religious traditions, vengeance is associated with divine retribution or punishment for wrongdoing. However, in other ethical systems, vengeance is discouraged as it can perpetuate cycles of violence and harm.

Over time, the concept of vengeance has evolved and changed. In modern societies, it is generally considered unacceptable to engage in personal acts of vengeance. Instead, legal systems and institutions are established to provide a sanctioned and just form of retribution for crimes and offenses.

vengeance relate terms

  • vindicate

    Etymology From Latin vindicō meaning to claim as one s own to avenge to punish U

  • vindication

    Etymology Vindicate verb From the Latin vindicare meaning to claim demand avenge

  • retribution

    Etymology Latin retributio retributionis retribution punishment retribuere to

  • penal

    Etymology Penal derives from the Latin word poena meaning punishment or penalty

  • revenge

    Etymology The word revenge derives from the Old French word revanche which in turn

  • punish

    Etymology Latin punire punish avenge chastise Proto Indo European pou̯néh₂ti

  • nemesis

    Etymology From Ancient Greek νέμεσις némesis meaning distribution of due re

  • vindication

    Etymology Vindicate verb From the Latin vindicare meaning to claim demand avenge

  • wreak

    Etymology The verb wreak comes from the Middle English word wreken which in turn

  • retaliation

    Etymology The word retaliation comes from the Latin word retalĭātio which means

  • native

    Etymology Native derives from the Old and Middle English word natif which in turn c

  • gentleman

    Etymology The word gentleman comes from the Middle English term gentilman which itse