to inflict or execute (punishment, vengeance, etc.): They wreaked havoc on the enemy.
to carry out the promptings of (one's rage, ill humor, will, desire, etc.), as on a victim or object: He wreaked his anger on the office staff.
Origin of wreak
First recorded before 900; Middle English wreken, Old English wrecan; cognate with German rächen “to avenge,” Old Norse reka “to drive, avenge,” Gothic wrikan “to persecute”; akin to Latin urgēre “to drive, push”
With coronavirus still wreaking havoc on the economy, social unrest scrambling consumer sentiment and marketers pressured to prove their spending is driving results, many are focusing their spending on programs happening just a few weeks out.
‘Nothing quite like being forced’: Publishers whip up quicker, cheaper ad products for advertisers|Max Willens|August 27, 2020|Digiday
The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the supply chains of companies around the world—prompting firms in 80% of sectors globally to recalibrate their operations in some fashion, according to analysts at Bank of America Global Research.
It would cost $1 trillion to move global supply chains out of China—but the long-term gains could be worth it|reymashayekhi|August 19, 2020|Fortune
There’s a limit to how much news we can take in as the virus wreaks havoc on our health, economy, and social lives.
If your spirits need a boost, watch ‘Frasier’|Kathi Wolfe|August 13, 2020|Washington Blade
For example, researchers have documented how the sweltering waters can bleach corals and wreak havoc on kelp forests.
Species may swim thousands of kilometers to escape ocean heat waves|Carolyn Gramling|August 10, 2020|Science News
Keep in mind this brilliant marketing hack from McDonald’s for times when a seemingly minor customer complaint starts to wreak havoc for your business by going viral.
Podcasts and internet marketing: Are you missing the boat?|Nasirabadi Reza|July 30, 2020|Search Engine Watch
The mother also made a plea to the violent ones who wreak such havoc.
11 Children Shot in Milwaukee, One in Her Grandpa's Lap|Michael Daly|November 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They eat more than 500 kinds of plants and could wreak havoc if released into the North American environment.
The $10 Billion Pet Cheetah and Chimp Industry|Sharon Adarlo|July 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Daniel Gross on how the shutdown could wreak havoc on a key part of the U.S. economy.
Tourism Is a Big Deal, and the Shutdown Will Ruin It|Daniel Gross|October 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Why didn't God empower the Israelites to wreak vengeance on their enemies who were evil people?
Passover, Non-Violence And Gun Control|Aryeh Cohen|March 25, 2013|DAILY BEAST
This summer's punishing heat wave could wreak havoc on grocery bills.
Will Food Prices Jump After the Heat Wave?|Matthew Zeitlin|August 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The sole object of this vindictive creatures life appears now to have been to wreak vengeance upon me.
Excursions in the mountains of Ronda and Granada, with characteristic sketches of the inhabitants of southern Spain, v. 2/2|Charles Rochfort Scott
Now John is ready to join them, if only to wreak vengeance on Oberthal.
The Complete Opera Book|Gustav Kobb
Ahithophel especially134 nursed his vengeance in secret, and only awaited an opportunity to wreak it on the king.
History of the Jews, Vol. I (of 6)|Heinrich Graetz
And if you wish to marry me, it will be with no promise of mine save to wreak it upon you!
Love's Pilgrimage|Upton Sinclair
Even now the outraged populace approaches, to wreak a hawful vengeance upon your guilty 'ed!
Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 98, March 1, 1890|Various
British Dictionary definitions for wreak
wreak
/ (riːk) /
verb(tr)
to inflict (vengeance, etc) or to cause (chaos, etc)to wreak havoc on the enemy
to express, or gratify (anger, hatred, etc)
archaicto take vengeance for
Derived forms of wreak
wreaker, noun
Word Origin for wreak
Old English wrecan; related to Old Frisian wreka, Old High German rehhan (German rächen), Old Norse reka, Latin urgēre to push
“Reeking” vs. “Wreaking”: What’s The Difference?Do toddlers "reek" or "wreak" havoc? We'd say, "Both." Learn the meaning of each word and their distinct differences so you understand why.