| Word | revanche |
|---|---|
| Date | February 27, 2009 |
| Type | noun |
| Syllables | ruh-VAHNSH (the N is not pronounced, but the vowel is nasalized) |
| Etymology | "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. |
| Examples | Soon after losing the northern territory to the invading army, the king began drafting a plan of revanche to get it back. |
| Definition | : revenge; especially : a usually political policy designed to recover lost territory or status |
Tags: wordoftheday::noun
Learn with these flashcards. Click next, previous, or up to navigate to more flashcards for this subject.
Next card: Basilisk adjective called legendary february bass-uh-lisk hellenic roman
Previous card: Implies degree immoderate extreme amount exceeding good march
Up to card list: Word of the Day