All 3 Uses of
wreak
in
The Scarlet Letter
- Of an impulsive and passionate nature, she had fortified herself to encounter the stings and venomous stabs of public contumely, wreaking itself in every variety of insult; but there was a quality so much more terrible in the solemn mood of the popular mind, that she longed rather to behold all those rigid countenances contorted with scornful merriment, and herself the object.†
Chpt 2
- Calm, gentle, passionless, as he appeared, there was yet, we fear, a quiet depth of malice, hitherto latent, but active now, in this unfortunate old man, which led him to imagine a more intimate revenge than any mortal had ever wreaked upon an enemy.†
Chpt 11
- But, in the education of her child, the mother's enthusiasm of thought had something to wreak itself upon.†
Chpt 13 *
Definition:
-
(wreak) cause to happen -- especially something that is damaging and uncontrollable