Venger vs. se venger
The French verbs 'venger' and 'se venger' both refer to the concepts of revenge or retaliation, but they are used differently in context.
Venger
'Venger' is a transitive verb meaning 'to avenge' or 'to take revenge for someone or something'. It usually requires a direct object and focuses on avenging another person or entity rather than oneself.
Il veut venger la mort de son frère.
(He wants to avenge his brother's death.)
Elle va venger l'honneur de sa famille.
(She will avenge her family's honor.)
Se venger
'Se venger' is a reflexive verb meaning 'to take revenge' or 'to get even'. Unlike 'venger', it emphasizes personal revenge, suggesting that the action directly affects or involves the subject themselves.
Il s'est vengé de son ancien patron par succès.
(He took revenge on his former boss successfully.)
Elle se venge pour les mensonges qu'il a dits.
(She is taking revenge for the lies he told.)
Summary
While 'venger' and 'se venger' both deal with themes of retribution, the key difference is in the focus of the action. 'Venger' is used when the subject is avenging someone or something, indicating an act of justice beyond personal grievances. In contrast, 'se venger' emphasizes personal vindication, where the subject acts in his or her own name to right a wrong he or she has personally experienced.