Outraged: meaning, definitions and examples

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outraged

[aʊtˈreɪdʒd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling of extreme anger or shock

Feeling or showing anger or shock as a result of something unjust or wrong. It is an intense emotional reaction characterized by a strong feeling of injustice or unfairness.

Synonyms

angered, enraged, incensed, indignant, infuriated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outraged	Used when someone is extremely shocked and angry, usually about something they consider morally or socially wrong. She was outraged by the injustice of the decision The community was outraged at the poor treatment of the elderly
enraged	Indicates an intense level of anger that often leads to a loss of control. The customer was enraged by the poor service He was enraged when he found out his car had been towed
infuriated	Refers to a very strong feeling of anger, similar to enraged and often implies a build-up of irritation that bursts out. The constant delays infuriated the passengers He was infuriated by their refusal to help
incensed	Suggests a high level of anger, often because someone feels very unfairly treated or offended. The residents were incensed by the new tax law She was incensed when she heard the unfair rumors
angered	A general term for feeling mad or annoyed. It is often used in everyday situations. He was angered by the constant noise from the construction site She was angered when he interrupted her during the meeting
indignant	Shows that someone feels angry because something is unjust or unworthy. It is often used when someone feels they have been wronged. She was indignant when accused of cheating He wrote an indignant letter to the editor about the unfair policy

Examples of usage

She was outraged by the decision of the court.
The citizens were outraged by the corruption in the government.
His behavior at the meeting left everyone outraged.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to anger greatly

To cause someone to feel extremely angry, shocked, or upset. It can be a response to a particular action or situation that is perceived as unjust or offensive.

Synonyms

anger, annoy, enrage, incense, infuriate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outraged	Used when someone feels extreme anger or shock, often due to an injustice or serious wrongdoing. She was outraged by the company's decision to lay off so many workers without notice. The community was outraged at the lack of action by the authorities.
enrage	Used to describe making someone extremely angry, to the point of intense fury. The disrespectful comment about her family enraged him. The decision to cut funding for education enraged the teachers.
infuriate	Describes making someone very angry, generally used when actions or events provoke an intense and immediate reaction. His arrogant attitude infuriates everyone he meets. The cancellation of their flight without any explanation infuriated the passengers.
incense	Highlights making someone very angry about something they find deeply offensive or unjust. The new policy on healthcare incensed many of the citizens. He was incensed by the unfair treatment of his friend.
anger	A general term for the feeling of being upset or frustrated, suitable for any situation where someone is not happy about something. His constant lateness began to anger her. The decision to increase taxes angered many citizens.
annoy	Refers to causing slight irritation or frustration, usually related to minor issues or repeated actions. Her loud chewing really annoys me. The buzzing sound from the lamp was starting to annoy everyone.

Examples of usage

The news of the scandal outraged the public.
His comments outraged the audience at the conference.
The decision to cut funding for the program outraged many supporters.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old French ' outrager', meaning to exceed or transgress, which reflects its strong emotional connotation.
It combines 'out' and 'rage', highlighting a sense of anger overflowing beyond normal limits.
Before the 15th century, the word was mainly used in legal contexts to describe violations, evolving to describe emotional reactions.

Psychology

Feeling outraged can trigger a 'fight or flight' response, preparing the body to deal with perceived threats.
This emotion can lead to social change, as collective outrage about injustices often mobilizes communities for action.
Studies show that expressing outrage can boost social bonding among individuals who share similar values.

Pop Culture

The term gained prominence in social media discourse, particularly during discussions on injustice and inequality, leading to movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter.
Popular films often depict characters feeling outraged in moments of betrayal or injustice, amplifying the emotional stakes of the story.
Comedians frequently use the concept of outrage as a basis for humor, showcasing societal absurdities.

Literature

Many classic novels feature protagonists who become outraged by societal norms, leading to personal and cultural revolutions.
The theme of injustice and subsequent outrage is prevalent in works like 'To Kill a Mockingbird', addressing moral dilemmas faced by characters.
Poetry often captures outraged feelings to critique society, with famous poets expressing their indignation through powerful verses.

History

Historical revolutions, such as the French Revolution, were fueled by widespread outrage against oppression and unfair treatment.
Records show that public outrage played a pivotal role in major reforms, including civil rights movements in various countries.
Throughout history, outraged citizens have often been catalysts for significant political change, showing the power of collective emotions.

Translations

Translations of the word "outraged" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indignado(a)

🇮🇳 क्रोधित (krodhit)

🇩🇪 empört

🇮🇩 marah

🇺🇦 обурений

🇵🇱 oburzony

🇯🇵 憤慨した (fungaishita)

🇫🇷 indigné(e)

🇪🇸 indignado(a)

🇹🇷 öfkeli

🇰🇷 격분한 (gyeokbunhan)

🇸🇦 غاضب (ghadib)

🇨🇿 pobouřený

🇸🇰 pobúrený

🇨🇳 愤怒的 (fènnù de)

🇸🇮 ogorčen

🇮🇸 hneykslaður

🇰🇿 ашуланған

🇬🇪 აღშფოთებული (aghshfotebuli)

🇦🇿 qəzəblənmiş

🇲🇽 indignado(a)

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,092, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14089 morn
14090 combatants
14091 appropriating
14092 outraged
14093 scraping
14094 agreeably
14095 unheard
...