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

“But it seems to me it makes people even more angry, irritates and outrages them. Because people really cannot understand, especially lately, those attacks that hit peaceful houses.”

From BBC

"The public is rightly outraged, especially knowing that today, anything is possible with CGI, AI and animatronics," the statement said.

From BBC

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

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

From Salon

The comedian’s satire pokes fun at conservatives and progressives in era of petty outrage and performative politics.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fury
• indignation
• resentment
• shock