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wreak

verb \ˈrēk also ˈrek\

: to cause (something very harmful or damaging)

Full Definition of WREAK

transitive verb

a archaic : avenge

b : to cause the infliction of (vengeance or punishment)

: to give free play or course to (malevolent feeling)

: bring about, cause <wreak havoc>

See wreak defined for English-language learners

See wreak defined for kids

Origin of WREAK

Middle English wreken, from Old English wrecan to drive, punish, avenge; akin to Old High German rehhan to avenge and perhaps to Latin urgēre to drive on, urge

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with WREAK

beak, bleak, cheek, chic, cleek, clique, creak, creek, Creek, eke, flic, freak, geek, gleek, Greek, keek, leak, leek, meek, peak, peek, peke, pic, pique, reek, screak, seek, sheikh, shriek, sic, Sikh, sleek, sneak, speak, squeak, steek, streak, streek, teak, tweak, weak, week

WREAK Defined for Kids

wreak

verb \ˈrēk\

wreakedwreak·ing

Definition of WREAK for Kids

: to bring down as or as if punishment <The storm wreaked destruction.>

Learn More About WREAK

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "wreak"

Nglish: Translation of "wreak" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "wreak" for Arabic speakers

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