Avenger

An avenger is a person who seeks vengeance for a perceived wrong. The term can refer to someone who acts to retaliate or punish on behalf of themselves or others, sometimes within formal justice and sometimes outside it. The concept encompasses both vigilante figures and those who pursue justice through established legal means, depending on the circumstances and cultural context.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from Old French avengier, from Latin vindicare, meaning to defend, claim, or avenge. In English, avenger denotes the agent of vengeance or the act of avenging. In everyday language, it describes someone motivated by retribution for a harm suffered or witnessed.

In culture and media: The avenger is a recurring archetype in literature, film, and television—a lone figure or a member of a group who seeks to punish wrongdoers and restore balance. The character type invites examination of moral ambiguity, justice, and the boundaries of punishment. The term also appears in titles and names, including real-world references such as the Grumman TBM Avenger, a World War II torpedo bomber, and in popular culture where the idea of an avenger informs various superhero and vigilante narratives. The plural form Avengers is widely recognized as the name of a prominent superhero team in comics and films, illustrating how the concept has evolved into a collective identity.

See also: vengeance, vigilante, justice, superhero.