Pronunciation: /riːk/

Definitions of wreak

noun the infliction or execution of punishment, vengeance, or harm

Example Sentences

A1 The storm wreaked havoc on the small town.

A2 The virus has wreaked havoc on the economy.

B1 The new policy is expected to wreak havoc on the company's profits.

B2 The controversial decision could wreak havoc on international relations.

C1 The war has the potential to wreak havoc on the entire region.

C2 The natural disaster wreaked devastation on the already struggling community.

verb to cause or inflict (damage or harm)

Example Sentences

A1 The storm wreaked havoc on the small town, causing damage to buildings and trees.

A2 The virus outbreak wreaked havoc on the economy, leading to job losses and financial instability.

B1 The dictator's oppressive regime wreaked havoc on the country, causing widespread suffering among its citizens.

B2 The hacker's cyberattack wreaked havoc on the company's computer systems, compromising sensitive information.

C1 The war in the region has wreaked havoc on the lives of innocent civilians, causing immense suffering and displacement.

C2 The environmental disaster wreaked havoc on the ecosystem, leading to irreversible damage and loss of biodiversity.

Examples of wreak in a Sentence

formal The hurricane is expected to wreak havoc on the coastal town.

informal I heard that the party last night really wreaked havoc on the house.

slang The prank they pulled really wreaked havoc on the teacher's classroom.

figurative Her negative attitude continued to wreak havoc on her relationships.

Grammatical Forms of wreak

past tense

wreaked

plural

wreaks

comparative

more wreak

superlative

most wreak

present tense

wreak

future tense

will wreak

perfect tense

has wreaked

continuous tense

is wreaking

singular

wreak

positive degree

wreak

infinitive

to wreak

gerund

wreaking

participle

wreaked

Origin and Evolution of wreak

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'wreak' originated from Middle English 'wreken' which came from Old English 'wrecan' meaning to drive, drive out, avenge, punish.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'wreak' shifted from primarily referring to avenging or punishing to also encompass causing damage or harm.