Wrath
/ræθ/
nounC1
Definition
Wrath is a strong feeling of anger that is more powerful than usual anger. It often includes a wish to get back at someone or to cause harm because of being very upset. Wrath is often used in serious or formal situations, including stories or religion.
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See It in Action
Very strong and intense anger
- •The hero faced the wrath of the angry king.
- •Wrath can destroy relationships if not controlled.
- •The storm was called the wrath of nature because it was so powerful.
Punishment or revenge caused by strong anger (often in stories or religion)
- •The villagers feared the wrath of the gods after breaking the sacred rule.
- •His wrath led him to seek revenge on those who wronged him.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "wrath" like "anger" (A1 word), but MUCH stronger and more serious—like a storm of feelings inside
- ✓Picture a volcano erupting with hot, red lava—that is the power and heat of wrath inside a person
- ✓It's the feeling when someone is so angry they want to shout or punish, not just be upset quietly
- ✓Sounds like "wrath" → imagine a loud, angry roar like a lion showing its power and danger
- ✓In stories, wrath is often the anger of gods or heroes who cannot be stopped easily
- ✓NOT like "mad" or "angry" which can be small or short—wrath is deep, long, and very strong
- ✓NOT like "hate" which is dislike without the strong action—wrath usually wants action or punishment
Try Other Words
- •Rage: very strong, uncontrolled anger (Use when anger is wild and hard to control)
- •Fury: intense, violent anger (Use when anger is extreme and aggressive)
- •Anger: general feeling of being upset or mad (Use in everyday situations with less intensity)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no prefix or suffix) root word "wrath"
- •Etymology: From Old English "wræðthu," meaning strong anger or punishment
- •Historical development: Used in English since early medieval times, often in religious or poetic texts to describe God's or a person's strong anger
- •Modern usage: Still used mostly in formal, literary, or religious contexts to describe very strong anger or punishment
Reflect & Connect
•How do people show wrath differently than regular anger in real life or stories?
•Can wrath ever be a good thing, like helping people stand up for themselves? Why or why not?
Fill in the blanks
1.The wrath of the storm caused ___ damage to the town and left many people without homes.
2.When he felt wrath, he wanted to ___ those who hurt his family.
3.Wrath is different from anger because it is much more ___ and often lasts longer.
4.In many stories, the wrath of the gods is a warning that people should ___ the rules.
5.People who show wrath often find it hard to ___ their feelings calmly.
6.Unlike simple anger, wrath usually comes with a desire for ___ or punishment.
7.The hero had to face the king's wrath because he ___ the law.