indignation
Americannoun
noun
Synonym Usage
See anger.
Other Word 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.
Daniell stared at me, his eyes burning with indignation.
From Slate ● Aug. 11, 2026
At the time of the tragedy, Autostrade belonged to the Atlantia group, controlled by the wealthy Benetton family, but faced with popular indignation the family subsequently gave up its stake to the state.
From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026
"A very unimpressive Italian performance which will cause some indignation and some hostility in their press tomorrow," said the BBC's match commentary at full-time.
From BBC ● Jun. 6, 2026
Racing’s indignation over that, as well as that of anger in the general public, prompted the formation by Congress of a bill that would ban the slaughter of horses in the United States.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 26, 2026
This was obliged to be repeated before it could be believed; and Mr. Knightley actually looked red with surprize and displeasure, as he stood up, in tall indignation, and said,
From "Emma" by Jane Austen
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.
