Outrage
/ˈaʊtreɪdʒ/
nounverbB2
Definition
Outrage means a very strong and intense feeling of anger or shock, usually because of something unfair, cruel, or wrong. It can also mean an action or event that causes this strong feeling. When used as a verb, it means to make someone feel this anger or shock.
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See It in Action
A strong feeling of anger and shock because of something unfair or wrong
- •The public felt outrage after the government raised taxes without warning.
- •There was widespread outrage over the unfair treatment of workers.
- •The decision caused outrage among the community members.
An action that causes strong anger or shock
- •Destroying the historic monument was an outrage to many people.
- •The corruption scandal was an outrage that shocked the nation.
(verb) To cause someone to feel strong anger or shock
- •The unfair law outraged many citizens.
- •She was outraged by the rude behavior she witnessed.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "outrage" like "anger," but MUCH stronger and mixed with shock or surprise
- ✓Picture a crowd loudly shouting and waving signs after hearing bad news they find unfair
- ✓It's the feeling when you hear about something very unfair or cruel happening to someone you care about
- ✓Sounds like "OUT-rage" → imagine a rage (strong anger) that comes OUT suddenly and loudly
- ✓Think of stories or news where people react strongly to injustice or bad behavior
- ✓NOT like "annoyance" (small irritation), outrage is a big, strong feeling that makes people want to act
- ✓NOT like "anger" alone, because outrage includes shock and a sense of unfairness
- ✓NOT like "disgust" (strong dislike), outrage focuses more on anger and moral wrongness
Try Other Words
- •Anger: strong feeling of being upset (Use when the feeling is strong but less about shock or unfairness)
- •Shock: sudden surprise and upset (Use when the surprise is more important than anger)
- •Fury: very strong and violent anger (Use when the anger is very intense and uncontrolled)
- •Indignation: anger because of unfair treatment (Use when focusing on moral or social unfairness)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "out-" (meaning beyond or very strong) + "rage" (strong anger)
- •Etymology: From Old French "outrage," meaning an excessive or violent act, from Latin "ultra" (beyond) + "rage" (anger)
- •Historical development: Originally meant violent or excessive acts, later came to mean strong anger and shock caused by unfair acts
- •Modern usage: Used to describe strong emotional reactions to injustice, unfairness, or shocking events, both as noun and verb
Reflect & Connect
•When do you think it is important to feel or show outrage? Can it help change things?
•How can people express outrage in a way that is helpful rather than harmful?
Fill in the blanks
1.The news about the unfair law caused ___ ___ among the citizens because it affected their jobs.
2.She was ___ by the rude comments and decided to speak up.
3.Unlike simple anger, outrage often includes a feeling of ___ or moral wrongness.
4.People often express outrage ___ protests or public demonstrations.
5.The politician’s actions outraged many voters, leading to ___ ___ calls for change.
6.Outrage usually happens when people see something ___ or unfair happening.
7.When someone is outraged, they might ___ loudly or write letters to express their feelings.