outrage

17 synonyms for outrage, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — Strong anger or indignation caused by something shocking or unfair.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

assault rape

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

fury scandal offend

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

indignation scandalization scandalisation dishonour ravish scandalize appal desecrate appall dishonor profane scandalise

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

Strong anger or indignation caused by something shocking or unfair.

“The verdict sparked outrage across the country.”

indignation fury scandal scandalization scandalisation

2. verb

To make someone feel angry and shocked.

“The comments outraged animal rights groups.”

offend assault dishonour ravish scandalize appal desecrate appall rape dishonor profane scandalise

How to use outrage

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

public outrage spark outrage moral outrage

Etymology

From Old French outrage, "excess," ultimately from Latin ultra ("beyond"). It was later reinterpreted by English speakers as out- + rage, which is why it's pronounced that way today — even though the two words aren't actually related.

Full origin of outrage →

Frequently asked questions

What does “outrage” mean?

The word “outrage” means strong anger or indignation caused by something shocking or unfair. In plain terms, intense anger at something shocking or unjust — or the shocking act itself.

How do you pronounce “outrage”?

“Outrage” is pronounced OWT-rayj (/ˈaʊt.ɹeɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).

How do you use “outrage” in a sentence?

Here is “outrage” used in a sentence: “The verdict sparked outrage across the country.”

What part of speech is “outrage”?

Depending on how it is used, “outrage” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “outrage” come from?

The word “outrage” comes from Latin.

Is “outrage” a common word?

“Outrage” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “outrage” have?

“Outrage” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: strong anger or indignation caused by something shocking or unfair.

What is the difference between outrage and anger?

Outrage is strong anger or indignation caused specifically by something shocking or unfair, carrying a sense of moral offense. Anger is a broader emotional term that can arise from many causes, including frustration or personal conflict, without necessarily implying a sense of injustice.

Can outrage refer to an act as well as a feeling?

Yes, outrage can describe a shockingly violent, cruel, or offensive act, not just the emotional reaction to one, as in "the bombing was condemned as an outrage." This sense treats outrage as the offensive event itself rather than the feeling it provokes.

How is outrage used as a verb?

As a verb, to outrage someone means to make them feel angry and shocked, as in "the decision outraged local residents." It is often used in the passive voice, as in "residents were outraged by the decision."

People also searched

assault rape scandal fury offend indignation scandalize appall ravish profane desecrate dishonor

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of outrage