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
- ireful adjective
- irefully adverb
- irefulness noun
- ireless adjective
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"
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Mad Infinitum: Synonyms for "Angry"
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This Week in Words: December 30, 2017 - January 5, 2018
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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.
Even as major news networks aired early, inaccurate information about the gunman, public ire was directed at influencers citing their reporting.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026
He reserved particular ire for Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, both of whom he had appointed.
From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026
The European Union finally voted to advance President Donald Trump’s trade deal on Thursday, following a monthslong delay that has drawn the ire of some U.S. officials.
From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026
Coach Jason Gilmore's post-match comments about using the remainder of the campaign to tune up ahead of 2026-27's pre-season, understandably drew ire.
From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026
I little could comprehend the ire these measures raised.
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson
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.
