ire
noun
intense anger; wrath.
ire
1 American
[ahyuhr]
/ aɪər /
noun
Ire.
2
American
abbreviation
Ire.
1
British
abbreviation
ire
2
British
/ aɪə /
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of ire
1250–1300; Middle English < Old French < Latin īra anger
Explanation
Ire is another word for "anger." So if you routinely steal your neighbor's newspaper, don't be surprised to be on the receiving end of his ire. Ire comes almost directly from the Latin word for anger, ira. While it means pretty much the same thing, ire usually stems from a specific grievance, rather than just general irritation with the world. And if you provoke someone's ire, you're probably going to feel their wrath. Shakespeare used both ire and anger in one famous sentence from his play "Pericles": "Yet cease your ire, you angry stars of heaven!"
Vocabulary lists containing ire
Words inspired by "Inside Out"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Mad Infinitum: Synonyms for "Angry"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week in Words: December 30, 2017 - January 5, 2018
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
The joke, which revolved around a misunderstanding between a Kurdish woman and a doctor, also drew the ire of the pro-Kurdish opposition DEM party which said it had filed a complaint against him.
From Barron's • Jun. 6, 2026
The two embraced, away from the crowd, the cameras and the ire.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026
Offering a layup to politics writers, Drake briefly wonders if the ire he’s earned through decades of digs and questionable interpolations of other artists’ songs is actually antisemitism.
From Salon • May 21, 2026
The fund drew the immediate ire of lawmakers on Capitol Hill, who clashed with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche during an appearance before a Senate panel on Tuesday.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
I just did my best not to provoke his ire.
From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
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.
