Outrages Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😡

Add to dictionary

outrages

[ˈaʊtreɪdʒs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

public reaction

Acts of violence or other unlawful behavior that cause public outrage.

Synonyms

atrocities, crimes, offenses.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outrages	Actions or events that are considered scandalous, shocking, or very offensive. The mayor's discriminatory remarks sparked public outrages and calls for his resignation
atrocities	Refers to extremely cruel or brutal acts, often associated with war, genocide, or severe human rights violations. The war crimes tribunal was set up to investigate the atrocities committed during the conflict
offenses	Typically used for minor violations or breaches of the law that are less serious than crimes or atrocities. Parking tickets are issued for minor traffic offenses such as illegal parking
crimes	General term for actions that break the law and are punishable by the legal system. He was arrested and charged with several serious crimes, including theft and assault

Examples of usage

The outrages committed by the police sparked widespread protests.
The government's failure to address the outrages led to increased public anger.
The series of outrages shocked the nation.
The media coverage of the outrages intensified public outcry.
The community demanded justice for the outrages.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

express strong disapproval

To cause anger or resentment by a grave offense or injustice.

Synonyms

anger, enrage, incense, infuriate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outrages	Used to describe actions or events that cause extreme anger or shock. Typically used in formal or serious contexts. The politician's corruption has caused multiple outrages among the public. Environmental outrages were committed when the company polluted the river.
enrage	Used to describe the act of making someone extremely angry. Often used when describing a reaction to a specific action or event. His insults managed to enrage everyone at the meeting. The unfair decision by the referee enraged the fans.
infuriate	Used to describe causing someone to become extremely angry. Similar to 'enrage', but often used in slightly less formal contexts. His constant lateness infuriated his boss. The slow service at the restaurant infuriated the customers.
incense	Often used in a formal context to describe making someone very angry, usually due to an act that feels particularly unjust or offensive. The manager's unfair criticism incensed the employees. She was incensed by the disrespectful behavior of the students.
anger	A general term used to describe a strong feeling of displeasure or hostility. It can be used in various contexts and is one of the most common ways to express this emotion. Her words were enough to anger him. Anger filled the room as the argument escalated.

Examples of usage

The decision to cut funding for education outraged many parents.
His behavior outraged the entire community.
She was outraged by the company's unethical practices.
The politician's comments outraged the public.
The lack of action on climate change continues to outrage environmentalists.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sociopolitical Context

Public outrages often act as catalysts for social movements, encouraging people to demand change.
Historical events like the Boston Tea Party were driven by outrages against taxation without representation.
In modern times, digital outrage can spread quickly online, often leading to viral social justice campaigns.

Psychology

Experiencing outrage can be linked to strong personal values being violated, triggering protective instincts.
Group outrage can unify individuals around a common cause, enhancing social bonds among activists.
Psychologists suggest expressing outrage constructively can lead to positive changes, while unexpressed anger may lead to stress.

Cultural Representation

In literature, characters often face moral dilemmas that lead to personal outrage, highlighting their internal struggles.
Films often depict outraged individuals as heroes fighting against societal injustices, resonating with audiences.
Many musicians have used their songs to express outrage over political issues, turning feelings into art.

Media and Communication

The way outrage is presented in media can influence public perception and social norms, shaping how issues are discussed.
'Outrage culture' has emerged, where public figures often face severe backlash for perceived wrongdoings, affecting their careers.
Commentary on outrage can serve as a critical lens on society, examining why certain issues provoke emotional responses.

Origin of 'outrages'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old French 'outrage,' which means to assault or offend, tracing back to Latin roots.
It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally referring to acts of violence or injustice.
Over time, 'outrage' evolved to encompass both actions causing deep anger and the feelings of shock they generate.

The word 'outrage' originated from the Old French 'ultrage', which came from the Latin 'ultraticum' meaning 'excess' or 'extravagance'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to acts that cause extreme anger or resentment. The concept of outrage has been a part of human societies throughout history, often associated with injustices, atrocities, and violations of moral norms. In modern times, outrage continues to play a significant role in social and political discourse, reflecting a collective sense of moral indignation and a call for justice.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,729, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16726 aggravate
16727 encircling
16728 contemplative
16729 outrages
16730 wand
16731 controllable
16732 diver
...