ireful

[ ahyuhr-fuhl ]

/ ˈaɪər fəl /

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adjective

full of intense anger; wrathful.

easily roused to anger; irascible.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of ireful

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

ire·ful·ly, adverbire·ful·ness, noun

If you can Bear this with patience, we must say you have not The bitterness of spleen, or ireful passions Familiar to women.
The Plays of Philip Massinger|Philip Massinger
He still made a jest of her remonstrance, trying the temper of the animal, and rejoicing in its dark flushes of ireful vigour.
The Shaving of Shagpat, Complete|George Meredith
There was the ireful consciousness that the narrow-gauge folks were giving him a raw deal on that dynamite matter.
Joan of Arc of the North Woods|Holman Day
Fascination is never so imperial as when, roused and half ireful, she threatens transformation to fierceness.
Shirley|Charlotte Bront

The maid retired, and the young man came in looking both ireful and stern.
Behind A Mask, Or A Woman's Power|A. M. Barnard