I heard both of these words yesterday, and it made me wonder about the difference between “avenge” and “revenge”.

Problem:
As transitive verbs, these two words are not quite synonyms.

Explanation:
Some argue that the word “revenge” is never a verb.

However, if you accept that the word “revenge” can be a verb, then you should know the difference between “revenge” as a transitive verb and “avenge” as a transitive verb.

Lexicographers see motivation as the key distinction between the transitive verbs “avenge” and “revenge”.

The transitive verb “avenge” essentially means to take vengeance on behalf of, and its motivation relates to administration of appropriate punishment for an immoral or criminal act.

“The district attorney avenged the vagabond’s murder.” is an example of widely accepted use of the transitive verb “avenge”.

The transitive verb “revenge” essentially means to exact punishment for a wrong on behalf of, especially in a vindictive or resentful spirit, its motivation relates to true hatred, and it is stronger than the verb “avenge” at stressing retaliation.

“He revenged his brother’s murder.” is an example of widely accepted use of the transitive verb “revenge”.

Solution:
Use the transitive verb “avenge” with justice as the motivation, and use the transitive verb “revenge” with retaliatory hatred as the motivation.