wreak
- pronunciation:
- rik
- features:
- Homophone Note
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
wreaked, wreaking, wreaks |
| definition 1: |
to inflict or carry out (punishment, revenge, destruction, or the like).
The storm wreaked havoc on the coastal towns.- similar words:
- inflict, visit
|
| definition 2: |
to make someone the victim or object of (one's anger, resentment, or the like).
She wreaked her anger on her children. |
| related words: |
inflict, work |
The words
wreak and
reek (a strong smell) sound alike but have different meanings.