I am tired of reading examples of poor education or ignorance where the word ‘wreck’ is used where ‘wreak’ is meant. So, this may be a moment of enlightenment for some.
The two words are polar opposites. The words ‘wreak’ and ‘wreck’ therefore have no correspondence whatsoever. So why do I repeatedly find the phrase ‘wreck havoc’ in articles I read from the US?
Wreaking is a process of ‘causing’ or ‘bringing about’. It is a creative act.
Wrecking is a process of ‘deconstruction’ or ‘tearing apart’. It is a destructive act.
‘Havoc’, by itself, means a situation of devastation, confusion or total mayhem. You cannot destroy (wreck) havoc, only create (wreak) it.
Peace and harmony represent the opposite of chaos and destruction. Peace and harmony could be said to be ‘wreaked’ but those processes are generally not associated with that word. They require a stronger, more robust and meticulous activity. More commonly they are referenced as needing to be ‘built’ or ‘constructed’ – much longer-term and more arduous processes than ‘creation’.
There. Is that clear? Let’s have no more references to ‘wrecking havoc’.
Not Something Else 