wreak havoc / wreck havoc

To inflict harm, and the set phrase for great damage.

The phrase is wreak havoc. Wreak means to inflict, and it pairs with nouns such as vengeance, destruction, and chaos. Wreck means to ruin or smash something; it does not belong in this phrase. The past form is wreaked. Wrought belongs to work, not wreak; it survives in set terms such as wrought iron.

Examples

UseThe storm wreaked havoc on the pier.

AvoidThe storm wrecked havoc on the pier.

UseHe wreaked vengeance on his rivals.

AvoidThe storm wrought havoc on the pier.