revanche

noun

re·​vanche rə-ˈväⁿsh How to pronounce revanche (audio)
: revenge
especially : a usually political policy designed to recover lost territory or status
revanchism noun

Did you know?

Revanche first appeared in English in the mid-19th century, deriving, along with our noun "revenge," from the Middle French verb revenchier ("to revenge"). The word developed its specific political application in the years following the Franco-German War (1870-71), which resulted in France losing the territory known as Alsace-Lorraine to Germany. (The territory was returned to France following World War I and then twice switched hands again during World War II.) Although "revanche" appears occasionally in English today, you are more likely to encounter its relatives "revanchism," which refers to a government's policy of revanche, and "revanchist," referring to a follower of such a policy. These words did not appear in English until the 20th century.

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, alteration of revenche — more at revenge

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of revanche was in 1853

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Dictionary Entries Near revanche

Cite this Entry

“Revanche.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revanche. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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