wreak
word
Definition
To cause or bring about something, especially something bad like damage, harm, or destruction.
Usage & Nuances
'Wreak' is almost always used with negative nouns like 'havoc', 'damage', or 'revenge', and is formal or literary in tone. Common collocation: 'wreak havoc'. It is not used on its own; always specify what is being wreaked.
Spanish: causar - infligir (daño, destrucción)Portuguese (BR): causar - provocar (estragos, dano)Portuguese (PT): causar - provocar (estragos, dano)Chinese (Simplified): 造成 - 引起 (破坏, 损害)Chinese (Traditional): 造成 - 引起 (破壞, 損害)Hindi: प्रतिक्रिया देना - उत्पन्न करना (हानि, तबाही)Arabic: يُحدث - يُسبب (دمار، ضرر)
Example Sentences
The storm wreaked damage on the small town.
basic
Pollution can wreak havoc on the environment.
basic
A virus outbreak may wreak serious problems for public health.
basic
Her sudden resignation wreaked chaos in the office.
natural
If left unchecked, these bugs will wreak havoc in the system.
natural
Decades of war wreaked untold suffering on the population.
natural