wreak (redirected from wreaks)

wreak something (up)on someone or something

to cause damage, havoc, or destruction to someone or something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) The storm wreaked destruction upon the little village. It wreaked much havoc on us.

wreak havoc (with something)

to cause a lot of trouble with something; to ruin or damage something. Your bad attitude will wreak havoc with my project. The rainy weather wreaked havoc with our picnic plans.

See also: havoc

wreak vengeance (up)on someone or something

Cliché to seek and get revenge on someone by harming someone or something. The gangster wreaked his vengeance by destroying his rival's house. The general wanted to wreak vengeance on the opposing army for their recent successful attack.

See also: vengeance

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wreak havoc

to cause a lot of trouble or damage Storms wreaked havoc on both coasts of the United States.

Usage notes: often used with on: Strikes have wreaked havoc on businesses here.

See also: havoc