outrage

[ out-reyj ]

noun

1. an act of wanton cruelty or violence; any gross violation of law or decency.
2. anything that strongly offends, insults, or affronts the feelings.

   Synonyms: indignity, abuse, offense

3. a powerful feeling of resentment or anger aroused by something perceived as an injury, insult, or injustice:

   Outrage seized the entire nation at the news of the attempted assassination.

verb (used with object)

, out·raged, out·rag·ing.

1. to subject to grievous violence or indignity.
2. to anger or offend; make resentful; shock:

   I am outraged by his whole attitude.

3. to offend against (right, decency, feelings, etc.) grossly or shamelessly:

   Such conduct outrages our normal sense of decency.

4. to rape.

   Synonyms: violate

outrage

/ ˈaʊtˌreɪdʒ /

noun

1. a wantonly vicious or cruel act
2. a gross violation of decency, morality, honour, etc
3. profound indignation, anger, or hurt, caused by such an act

verb

1. to cause profound indignation, anger, or resentment in
2. to offend grossly (feelings, decency, human dignity, etc)
3. to commit an act of wanton viciousness, cruelty, or indecency on
4. a euphemistic word for rape 1

Other Words From

• un·outraged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of outrage¹

1250–1300; Middle English < Old French outrage, ultrage, equivalent to outr ( er ) to push beyond bounds (derivative of outre beyond < Latin ultrā ) + -age -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of outrage¹

C13 (meaning: excess): via French from outré beyond, from Latin ultrā

Example Sentences

The encampment came under a violent attack by counterprotesters in early May, fomenting widespread outrage and attention.

From Los Angeles Times

The effort kicked off with “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage,” Rock’s first live comedy special after being slapped by actor Will Smith at the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony.

From Los Angeles Times

This latest video has provoked outrage, prompting Burkina Faso's military general staff to insist it has the nation's best interests at heart.

From BBC

“The health care system, which should be a sanctuary in times of war, has instead become a target. Hospitals are under siege, and medical professionals, who are doing everything in their power to save lives, are under direct threat. Doctors are being attacked, kidnapped and killed, while the very institutions meant to provide care are being bombarded. Yet, the world remains largely silent on their plight. While there is global outrage over civilian casualties, the relentless attacks on the medical community remain underreported.”

From Salon

A 2019 amendment to the act created the requirement after Trump sparked bipartisan outrage by failing to mitigate conflicts during his presidency.

From Salon

Related Words

• fury
• indignation
• resentment
• shock