How to pronounce wreak
American English pronunciation
REEK
- IPA
- /ˈɹik/
- Syllables
- REEK (1 syllable)
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What wreak means
To cause a lot of harm or trouble
In a sentence: The puppy wreaked havoc in the kitchen and tipped over the trash can.
Where it comes from: It comes from an Old English word meaning "to drive" or "to take revenge." It's distantly related to wreck.
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Compare: wreak and afflict
Wreak is causing damage or chaos all at once, while afflict is making someone suffer over time.
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