indignation
Americannoun
noun
Synonym Usage
See anger.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of indignation
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English indignacio(u)n, from Latin indignātiōn-, stem of indignātiō “anger, displeasure,” from indignāt(us) “deemed unworthy, scorned” (past participle of indignārī “to deem unworthy, take offense”; see indignant) + -iō -ion
Explanation
Call your anger at an unjust situation indignation. If recess gets canceled for everyone because two students get into a fight, the rest of the student body will respond with indignation. Indignation traces back to the Latin prefix in- "not" and root dignus "worthy" and means anger at something that is unfair or unjust. Another word for indignation is outrage. Be careful using these words as they have a bit of a negative slant. A person who feels indignation is a little self-righteous and focused on not being treated the way he feels he should be.
Vocabulary lists containing indignation
Of Mice and Men
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Animal Farm
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Refugee
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
France's Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, expressed its "indignation" at Ben Gvir's actions and demanded an explanation.
From BBC • May 20, 2026
Many people are numb or marinating in indignation and anger.
From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026
Borgli’s audacious, stark writing defies faux outrage, even if that performative indignation will be an inevitable product of a film so daring.
From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026
Despite the city’s efforts, Naula’s indignation about the humanitarian situation he had witnessed had hardly subsided.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026
Shouts of indignation of “You can’t do this to the Gran!” were met with dueling “It’s for our own good!” or “It’s what she deserves.”
From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
