Outrage Definition, Examples, and Usage

Meaning 1：enrage (outrage)

outrage 🔊

/ˈaʊt.reɪdʒ/

vt.

To make someone extremely angry and shocked, usually by doing something unfair or bad.

Outrage reaction person shocked angry at phone screen

enrage 🔊

➕

/ɪnˈreɪdʒ/

vt.

To cause someone to feel extreme anger and shock, usually due to an unfair or immoral act.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From out- (beyond) + rage (fury), literally meaning 'excessive anger'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'OUT of RAGE' — pushing someone's anger beyond normal limits.

📖 Example

The company's decision to cut all employee benefits outraged the entire workforce. 🔊 The company's decision to cut all employee benefits outraged the entire workforce.

🔗 Collocations

outrage the public – Cause intense anger among the general population

outrage employees – Make workers extremely angry and shocked

outrage supporters – Infuriate those who back a cause or person

🔄 Synonyms

enrage (vt.) – To make someone very angry, often to the point of losing control

infuriate (vt.) – To make someone extremely angry, implying strong provocation

incense (vt.) – To make someone very angry, often by something offensive or unjust

🚫 Antonyms

pacify (vt.) – To calm someone down, reducing anger or agitation

calm (vt.) – To soothe or make less angry

soothe (vt.) – To relieve anger or distress

🌱 Derivatives

outrageous (adj.) – Shockingly bad or excessive

outraged (adj.) – Feeling or showing extreme anger

outrageously (adv.) – In a shockingly bad or excessive way

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Old French 'outrage' meaning 'excess, violence', from Latin 'ultra' (beyond). It entered English in the 14th century, first as a noun for violent excess, later as a verb.