outrage
OWT-rayj
Outrage (noun) means Strong anger or indignation caused by something shocking or unfair. Example: “The verdict sparked outrage across the country.”
noun
1
Strong anger or indignation caused by something shocking or unfair.
"The verdict sparked outrage across the country."
"There was widespread outrage at the company's decision to cut jobs."
"Fans expressed their outrage when the stadium was sold without any warning."
2
A shockingly violent, cruel, or offensive act.
"The bombing was condemned as an outrage against innocent civilians."
"Dumping rubbish in the river was an outrage that shocked the whole village."
"Many people called the cruel treatment of the animals an outrage."
verb
1
To make someone feel angry and shocked.
"The comments outraged animal rights groups."
"His rude remarks outraged the audience, and several people walked out."
"It outrages me that nobody apologised for ruining the event."
How to use outrage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIntense anger at something shocking or unjust — or the shocking act itself.
Common mistake
Despite how it sounds, "outrage" has nothing etymologically to do with "rage" — that link is a coincidence of later pronunciation.
Common pairings
public outrage
spark outrage
moral outrage
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Word forms
- Plural
- outrages
- Third person singular
- outrages
- Past tense
- outraged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The verdict sparked _____ across the country.
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.
Synonyms
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indignation
fury
scandal
scandalization
scandalisation
offend
assault
dishonour
ravish
scandalize
appal
desecrate
Related words
Rhymes for outrage
See all rhymes for 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."
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