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Outrage: meaning, definitions and examples

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outrage

 

[ˈaʊt.reɪdʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

public reaction

An extremely strong reaction of anger, shock, or indignation, typically in response to something considered unjust or offensive.

Synonyms

anger, fury, indignation, outragedness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outrage

Use this word to describe a strong feeling of shock or extreme anger, usually due to an injustice or a severe wrongdoing.

  • The decision to close the school caused public outrage.
  • There was widespread outrage at the news of the corruption scandal.
anger

This is a general term for a strong feeling of displeasure or hostility. It can be used in various situations, from mild irritation to extreme rage.

  • Her comments triggered a lot of anger among the employees.
  • He managed to calm his anger before speaking.
fury

Refers to intense, uncontrolled anger that is often violent. It suggests a more extreme level of anger than 'anger' or 'outrage'.

  • She was shaking with fury when she found out about the betrayal.
  • The governor's decision unleashed a fury among the protesters.
indignation

This term is used to describe anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment, often with a sense of moral superiority.

  • The unjust accusations filled her with indignation.
  • His article sparked a wave of indignation among the readers.
outragedness

This is a less common term that refers to the state of being outraged. It's typically used in more formal or academic contexts.

  • The public's outragedness was evident from the numerous protests.
  • Outragedness spread quickly across social media platforms.

Examples of usage

  • The decision to cut down the ancient trees caused outrage among environmental activists.
  • The video of police brutality sparked outrage across the country.
Context #2 | Verb

act of shocking or offending

To cause a strong feeling of anger, shock, or indignation in someone.

Synonyms

enrage, infuriate, offend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outrage

The repeated word 'outrage' is mentioned twice; refer to the first entry for its context and examples.
enrage

Use this word to indicate making someone extremely angry to the point of intense rage.

  • The unfair decision enraged the crowd.
  • He was enraged by the accusations.
infuriate

This word is used when expressing a situation that makes someone very angry, often to the point where they feel like they can't contain their anger.

  • Her rude remarks infuriated him.
  • The delay of the flight infuriated the passengers.
offend

Typically used when an action or statement causes someone to feel upset, insulted, or annoyed. This word has a negative connotation.

  • He offended her with his thoughtless comments.
  • The movie's depiction of the culture offended many viewers.

Examples of usage

  • The company's decision to raise prices outraged many customers.
  • Her insensitive comments outraged the entire community.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Old French 'outrage', meaning exceeding or going beyond, reflecting a feeling that something has crossed a line.
  • Originally used to describe acts of violence or injustice, it has evolved to encompass various types of moral offense.

Pop Culture

  • Various films and novels use 'outrage' to depict social issues, highlighting community reactions to injustice.
  • Songs and performances often evoke outrage to connect with audiences and inspire activism.

Psychology

  • Feeling outrage can trigger a fight-or-flight response, as it taps into deeper instincts about fairness and safety.
  • Outrage can unite communities, driving collective action against perceived wrongs and injustices.

Media

  • Stories that evoke outrage often capture public attention, leading to viral social media discussions and movements.
  • News cycles frequently revolve around issues that cause public outrage, influencing political discourse and activism.

Literature

  • Classic literature often addresses themes of injustice, sparking outrage among characters, motivating plot developments.
  • Modern authors use personal experiences of outrage to shape narratives about social issues, engaging readers on emotional levels.

Translations

Translations of the word "outrage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indignação

🇮🇳 आक्रोश

🇩🇪 Empörung

🇮🇩 kemarahan

🇺🇦 обурення

🇵🇱 oburzenie

🇯🇵 憤慨 (ふんがい)

🇫🇷 indignation

🇪🇸 indignación

🇹🇷 öfke

🇰🇷 분노

🇸🇦 غضب

🇨🇿 rozhořčení

🇸🇰 pohoršenie

🇨🇳 愤怒 (fènnù)

🇸🇮 ogorčenje

🇮🇸 reiði

🇰🇿 ашу

🇬🇪 აღშფოთება

🇦🇿 qəzəb

🇲🇽 indignación

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,577, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.