indignation
/ˌɪn.dɪɡˈneɪ.ʃən/
indignation means an anger aroused by something perceived as an indignity, notably an offense or injustice. It carries an Arena rating of 1688, earned across 3 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, indignation ranks #2,350 of 14,448 for Most Incisive Words, #7,082 of 14,423 for Most Sublime Words, #7,084 of 14,414 for Most Elegant Words, #7,102 of 14,448 for Funniest Words.
indignation is pronounced /ˌɪn.dɪɡˈneɪ.ʃən/.
Why “indignation” is a great word
Anger aroused by something perceived as unjust, unworthy, or offensive. Its roots are in Middle English *indignacioun*, from Old French *indignation*, from Latin *indignātiō* (anger, displeasure), from *indignor* (to scorn, resent), from *indignus* (unworthy), from *in-* (not) + *dignus* (worthy, appropriate), with attestation dating to circa 1374. Unlike resentment, which broods as a private, persistent grievance, or rage, a blind and violent fury, indignation is a focused, righteous heat ignited by moral trespass. It is the sharp, cold clarity of witnessing a petty theft, the stifled gasp at a public lie, or the quiet, furious trembling upon hearing a casual cruelty—a flame that briefly convinces us the world can still be set right.
Etymology
From Middle English indignacioun, borrowed from Old French indignation, from Latin indignātiō, from indignor (“to scorn, resent”), from indignus (“unworthy, not fitting”), from in- (“not”) + dignus (“worthy, appropriate”). Attested since ca. 1374. Doublet of indignatio.
noun
- An anger aroused by something perceived as an indignity, notably an offense or injustice.e.g.“He protested in indignation.”
- A self-righteous anger or disgust.
Words closest in meaning
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