Indignation: meaning, definitions and examples
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indignation
[ˌɪn.dɪɡˈneɪ.ʃən ]
Definition
feeling
Strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting, or base; righteous anger.
Synonyms
anger, displeasure, outrage, resentment.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| indignation |
Indignation is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a feeling of righteous anger or annoyance at something perceived as unfair or wrong.
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| outrage |
Outrage is a strong term used to describe an extreme feeling of anger or shock, often due to something considered very wrong or scandalous. It is commonly used when discussing news or social issues.
|
| anger |
Anger is a general term for a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility. It can be used in everyday situations and is common in both spoken and written English.
|
| displeasure |
Displeasure is used to describe a mild, often polite annoyance or dissatisfaction. It is less intense than anger and is appropriate in formal or professional settings.
|
| resentment |
Resentment refers to a feeling of bitter anger or displeasure due to perceived unfair treatment, often over a long period. It typically involves holding a grudge.
|
Examples of usage
- She felt a deep indignation at the way she had been treated.
- His speech was filled with indignation towards the corrupt government officials.
- I could sense the indignation in her voice as she spoke about the unfair decision.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- Derives from the Latin word 'indignatio', meaning 'a strong displeasure'.
- Composed of 'in-' (not) and 'dignus' (worthy), literally meaning 'not worthy' or feeling offended.
- First recorded usage in English dates back to the 15th century.
Literature
- The term is a powerful theme in works like Mary Wollstonecraft's 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman', where it expresses outrage over women's treatment.
- Charles Dickens often used this emotion to inspire empathy in his readers towards social injustices.
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters often experience indignation, driving their motives and actions, especially in 'Othello'.
Psychology
- Indignation serves a social purpose, helping individuals recognize and react to perceived unfairness in society.
- It can lead to motivation for activism, prompting people to fight for justice.
- Chronic feelings of indignation can be linked to stress and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of managing negative emotions.
Pop Culture
- Movies often depict protagonists driven by indignation, such as in 'Erin Brockovich', showcasing a real-life fight against corporate injustice.
- Indignation played a central role in the civil rights movement, where leaders often expressed this feeling in speeches and writings to energize followers.
- Television dramas frequently use this emotion to deepen characters' arcs and create conflict, such as in 'The Good Wife'.
History
- The American Revolution was largely fueled by indignation toward British taxation without representation.
- Historical protests, such as the Stonewall Riots, were born from a deep sense of indignation against systemic discrimination.
- The concept also appears in various declarations of rights, asserting the people's indignation against oppressive governance.
Translations
Translations of the word "indignation" in other languages:
🇵🇹 indignação
🇮🇳 आक्रोश
🇩🇪 Empörung
🇮🇩 kemarahan
🇺🇦 обурення
🇵🇱 oburzenie
🇯🇵 憤り (いきどおり)
🇫🇷 indignation
🇪🇸 indignación
🇹🇷 öfke
🇰🇷 분노 (bunno)
🇸🇦 سخط
🇨🇿 rozhořčení
🇸🇰 rozhorčenie
🇨🇳 愤怒 (fènnù)
🇸🇮 ogorčenje
🇮🇸 reiði
🇰🇿 ыза
🇬🇪 აღშფოთება
🇦🇿 qəzəb
🇲🇽 indignación