Wreak

usgb/riːk/
verb

To cause something to happen in a violent or harmful way.

The storm wreaked havoc on the small coastal village.
Visual representation of "wreak" - To cause something to happen in a violent or harmful way.

Often appears as...

  • wreak havoc
  • wreak damage
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "wreak"
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Extreme impact

Use 'wreak' to describe the disastrous effects of something with extensive negative impact.

Illustration for Extreme impact
The corrupt politician wreaked chaos throughout the administration.
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Force of nature

'Wreak' is often used with natural disasters to emphasize their power and resultant damage.

Illustration for Force of nature
The hurricane is expected to wreak devastation across the coast.
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Not for accidents

'Wreak' implies intention or inevitability, not accidental occurrences.

Illustration for Not for accidents
The invasive species wreaked ecological imbalance in the new environment.
Visual representation of the word "Wreak"

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