These two words are extremely close in meaning, and very common, as you may know. Both words mean “(to take) an action to punish someone in return for something bad they have done.”
Avenge is a verb, while revenge is a noun, and one “takes revenge against someone”:
Who will avenge the crimes of our own government against us?
I will not take revenge because it will not bring back the dead.
Revenge is a dish best served cold. (Klingon proverb, from Star Trek)
Now, there are several important differences between avenge and revenge. The word avenge implies that it is a good thing to do. You cannot do wrong by avenging unless you avenge the wrong person, or the wrong action. The act of avenging, itself, is believed to make things better in some way. Even if avenging does not change anything practically, it makes things “even,” in a good way:
If my enemy kills me, I pray someone will avenge me, so I can rest in peace!
Unfortunately, people tend to feel it necessary to avenge personal insults.
Notice that the object of avenge can be either the person who was wronged, or the crime against them. Also note that avenging is not the main job of Marvel’s Avengers— though the name sounds good!
Revenge, although it describes the same actions as avenge, has a very different sense: It is not considered a moral, or even positive action, except for people who feel it is important—the word does not imply that it makes anything better:
You can take revenge against those who hurt you, but it won’t change anything.
The purpose of our prison system is not revenge, but protection and reform.
Finally, we should mention vengeance, which can be used much like revenge:
Should we take vengeance on evil people, or leave that to the law or God?
Vengeance seems neutral in terms of whether it is considered right or wrong.
How to Use "Avenge" in a Sentence
- The new crime prevention officer vowed to avenge the death of his predecessor.
- Nancy's way of avenging the death of her grandfather was to set up a charity organization in his name.
- The pirates were going to avenge the attack on their ship.
- In "The Count of Monte Cristo," Edmond Dantes plans to avenge his unjust imprisonment.
- He vowed to avenge the injustice done to his people.
How to Use "Revenge" in a Sentence
- Revenge is a dish best served cold.
- The team's loss was a result of their coach's thirst for revenge.
- Revenge can lead to more trouble than it's worth.
- The desire for revenge is an emotion that can be harmful to people and society.
- Most tragedies revolve around people seeking revenge.