indignation

noun

in·​dig·​na·​tion ˌin-dig-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce indignation (audio)
: anger aroused by something unjust, unworthy, or mean
Choose the Right Synonym for indignation

anger, ire, rage, fury, indignation, wrath mean an intense emotional state induced by displeasure.

anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity.

tried to hide his anger

ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling.

cheeks flushed with ire

rage and fury suggest loss of self-control from violence of emotion.

shook with rage
could not contain his fury

indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

wrath is likely to suggest a desire or intent to punish or get revenge.

I feared her wrath if I was discovered

Examples of indignation in a Sentence

I am eager to concede that in our cataclysmic world this is a little misfortune, arousing even in me only the kind of indignation that could be thoroughly vented in a long footnote somewhere. Marilynne Robinson, The Death of Adam, (1998) 2005
It's good to bear the preceding in mind when trying to comprehend the indignation with which the East Coast establishment greets work that dares to be both funny and deadly serious in the same breath. Tom Robbins, Harper's, September 2004
… in his reverie, while his wife swooped back and forth with sheets of last year's leaves and bundles of brisk directives, his brooding mind warmed his old indignation at not having been invited to that party given by his then recently forsaken inamorata. John Updike, The Afterlife, 1994
The decision to close the factory has aroused the indignation of the townspeople. He adopted a tone of moral indignation.
Recent Examples on the Web Hilton’s prose carries the twin forces of indignation and adverse experience. Simon Parkin, The New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2024 Farmers have a long history of indignation, especially in France, and their latest moment is not confined to Europe. Nayla Razzouk, Fortune Europe, 13 Feb. 2024 In their own opening statements, attorneys for the defendants each expressed indignation over the mere fact that the case was going to trial, especially since Sanders himself has not been charged with a crime. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2024 The decision to ban her for four years caused a new wave of public indignation in the country, where figure skating is one of the most popular sports and Russian skaters have long been seen as a dominant force on the ice. Yuliya Talmazan, NBC News, 8 Feb. 2024 Shock and indignation are one thing, though, and the law is quite another. Byirina Ivanova, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2024 As Joo Young, Jeon exudes the frosty composure of a girl whose existence is an exercise in survival, while Jin keeps Hyung-soo — who oscillates between frantic indignation and apoplectic anger — from becoming buffoonish. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 2 Oct. 2023 Recognizing the underlying insecurities and fears driving indignation is essential in fostering open communication and resolving conflicts in a healthy and constructive manner. Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 The dirty little secret undergirding wokeness is that its practitioners have nothing but indignation in their corner. Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 9 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indignation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see indignant

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indignation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near indignation

Cite this Entry

“Indignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indignation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

indignation

noun
in·​dig·​na·​tion ˌin-dig-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce indignation (audio)
: anger caused by something unjust, unworthy, or mean

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