wreak

Definition

To cause harm; to afflict; to inflict; to harm or injure; to let out harm.

Etymology

From Middle English wreken, from Old English wrecan, from Proto-West Germanic *wrekan, from Proto-Germanic *wrekaną, from Proto-Indo-European *wreg- (“push, shove, drive, track down”). Cognate via Proto-Germanic with Dutch wreken, German rächen, Swedish vräka; cognate via PIE with Latin urgēre (English urge), and distantly cognate with English wreck.

Example Sentences

• "The earthquake wreaked havoc in the city."
• "She wreaked her anger on his car."
• "On the Saturday, October 1, the torrential rains began to wreak damage east of Exeter."