PoliticsJuly 17, 2026

vengeance

/ˈvɛn.dʒəns/

Definition

The act of inflicting harm, punishment, or retaliation in response to a perceived wrong or injury, often fueled by resentment.

Etymology

Derived from the Old French word 'vengeance,' which traces back to the Latin 'vindicare,' meaning to claim or punish. It entered English in the 13th century as a way to describe the settling of scores.

In the news

Senator Chuck Schumer used the word to characterize President Trump's political strategy as being driven by personal grievances rather than policy goals. It highlights the antagonistic tone Schumer attributes to the president's speech.

Reactions to Trump's election integrity speech, are well, divisive

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USA Today

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