outrage

[out-reyj]

noun

1. an act of wanton cruelty or violence; any gross violation of law or decency.

2. anything that strongly offends, insults, or affronts the feelings.

   Synonyms: indignity, abuse, offense

3. a powerful feeling of resentment or anger aroused by something perceived as an injury, insult, or injustice.

   Outrage seized the entire nation at the news of the attempted assassination.

verb (used with object)

outraged, outraging 

1. to subject to grievous violence or indignity.

2. to anger or offend; make resentful; shock.

   I am outraged by his whole attitude.

3. to offend against (right, decency, feelings, etc.) grossly or shamelessly.

   Such conduct outrages our normal sense of decency.

4. to rape.

   Synonyms: violate

outrage

/ ˈaʊtˌreɪdʒ /

noun

1. a wantonly vicious or cruel act

2. a gross violation of decency, morality, honour, etc

3. profound indignation, anger, or hurt, caused by such an act

verb

1. to cause profound indignation, anger, or resentment in

2. to offend grossly (feelings, decency, human dignity, etc)

3. to commit an act of wanton viciousness, cruelty, or indecency on

4. a euphemistic word for rape 1

Other Word Forms

• unoutraged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of outrage¹

1250–1300; Middle English < Old French outrage, ultrage, equivalent to outr ( er ) to push beyond bounds (derivative of outre beyond < Latin ultrā ) + -age -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of outrage¹

C13 (meaning: excess): via French from outré beyond, from Latin ultrā

Example Sentences

Animal welfare campaigners have expressed outrage at Marineland's conduct and the possibility the whales could be killed.

From BBC

It was a pointed response to conservative outrage, including Fox News commentators questioning whether a Puerto Rican should headline “America’s game” and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reportedly threatening ICE enforcement at the event.

From Salon

America has proven time and again that its moral outrage is fleeting.

From Salon

They were outraged that they couldn’t prevent Brazilian authorities from successfully prosecuting Bolsonaro on charges that may send him to prison, and will probably banish him from politics for life.

From Salon

Davids said she is “outraged” by the proposal, and that she’s not alone.

From Salon

Related Words

• aggrieve 
• incense 
• infuriate 
• insult 
• scandalize 
• shock