avenges

Avenges is the third-person singular present tense of the verb avenge. To avenge means to inflict punishment or take action in response to a wrong, typically on behalf of someone else or to restore honor. The act is often framed as a defense of another person, a cause, or a moral order rather than a purely personal act of retaliation.

Etymology: The word derives from Old French avenger, from Latin vindicare, meaning to defend, claim, or vindicate. The related noun is vengeance, and the person who acts is an avenger.

Usage: In modern English, avenge is used when a response is motivated by the wrong done to someone other than the speaker or to a shared value. It is common in literature, film, and history. The term is sometimes contrasted with revenge, which can carry a more personal or sensational tone; in practice the distinction is subtle and the terms are often used interchangeably.

Legal and ethical context: Retaliatory actions intended to punish may be unlawful in many jurisdictions; legal systems typically pursue formal remedies such as prosecution and restitution rather than private vengeance.

Cultural context: Avenging is a common plot device in myths, tragedy, and superhero fiction, where a character seeks to avenge a family member or a community. The idea of the avenger appears in various traditions and may reflect cultural values about justice and protection.