'Wreak' means to cause or inflict something destructive; 'reek' means to smell strongly and unpleasantly.
Verb. To cause or inflict something destructive. Almost always used in the expression 'wreak havoc'.
The cyberattack wreaked havoc on the company infrastructure.
The storm wreaked destruction across the coastal region.
Poor planning can wreak long-term damage on a project.
Verb/noun. To smell strongly and unpleasantly. Also the strong, unpleasant smell itself.
The storage room reeked of damp and mildew.
His breath reeked of garlic after the dinner.
The whole deal reeks of corruption.
Common mistake
The most common error is 'wreck havoc' instead of 'wreak havoc'. Also confusing 'wreaked' with 'reeked': "The plan reeked havoc" (correct: wreaked havoc).
Trick to remember it
'Wreak' has a silent W like 'wreck' — both involve damage and destruction. 'Reek' has double E like the two nostrils hit by the smell — sniff, sniff.
Quick rule
Is it causing damage, chaos, or destruction? 'Wreak' (especially 'wreak havoc'). Is it a strong, unpleasant smell? 'Reek'.
Did you know?
'Wreak havoc' is so dominant that 'wreak' barely appears in any other context in modern English. 'Havoc' comes from the Norman war cry 'Havok!', the medieval command to pillage freely after victory. Shakespeare immortalised it in Julius Caesar: 'Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war' — one of the most quoted lines in English literature.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
The data breach _____ havoc on the company's reputation and share price.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
The abandoned factory _____ of chemicals and rotting wood.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Is it causing damage, chaos, or destruction? 'Wreak' (especially 'wreak havoc'). Is it a strong, unpleasant smell? 'Reek'.
The most common error is 'wreck havoc' instead of 'wreak havoc'. Also confusing 'wreaked' with 'reeked': "The plan reeked havoc" (correct: wreaked havoc).
'Wreak' has a silent W like 'wreck' — both involve damage and destruction. 'Reek' has double E like the two nostrils hit by the smell — sniff, sniff.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy