ireful

[ ahyuhr-fuhl ]

adjective

1. full of intense anger; wrathful.
2. easily roused to anger; irascible.

Other Words From

• ireful·ly adverb
• ireful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ireful¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; ire, -ful

Example Sentences

If you can Bear this with patience, we must say you have not The bitterness of spleen, or ireful passions Familiar to women.

From Project Gutenberg

He still made a jest of her remonstrance, trying the temper of the animal, and rejoicing in its dark flushes of ireful vigour.

From Project Gutenberg

There was the ireful consciousness that the narrow-gauge folks were giving him a raw deal on that dynamite matter.

From Project Gutenberg

Fascination is never so imperial as when, roused and half ireful, she threatens transformation to fierceness.

From Project Gutenberg

The maid retired, and the young man came in looking both ireful and stern.

From Project Gutenberg