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