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| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | wrecan 'to drive out, punish' |
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wreak
past tense and past participle wreaked or wrought
past tense and past participle wreaked or wrought1 to cause a lot of damage or problems : These policies have wreaked havoc on the British economy.
wreak havoc/mayhem/destruction (on something)
These policies have wreaked havoc on the British economy.2 to do something unpleasant to someone to punish them for something they have done to you : He promised to wreak vengeance on those who had betrayed him.
wreak revenge/vengeance (on somebody)
formalHe promised to wreak vengeance on those who had betrayed him.