What does outrage mean?
Outrage is an emphatic English word for intense anger and shock in response to cruelty, injustice, or conduct considered deeply offensive. As a noun, it can refer either to the collective feeling itself, as in "public outrage," or to a particularly shocking or immoral act, as in "an act of outrage." It is stronger and more emotionally charged than ordinary anger and often conveys moral disapproval. As a verb, "to outrage" means to arouse such indignation or horror, usually in a group of people: "the decision outraged the community." The word appears frequently in journalism, political debate, and formal public statements, especially in the phrase "public outrage." Although its basic meaning is shared across English-speaking countries, the intensity of a particular expression can vary with context and the seriousness of the issue. Outrage is useful because it identifies not merely personal irritation but a powerful moral response to conduct that many regard as unacceptable.
Intense anger and shock felt in response to cruelty, injustice, or something considered offensive; also, an act or instance that violates moral expectations.
"The announcement provoked outrage among families affected by the policy."
The feeling sense is especially common in phrases such as "public outrage" and "cause outrage."
To arouse outrage or indignation in someone.
"The treatment of the refugees outraged people across the country."
This use is formal and commonly takes a person, group, or audience as its object.
The standard plural of the noun, used for separate acts or instances of shocking wrongdoing.
"The report documented several outrages committed during the conflict."
Outrage began as a word for conduct beyond accepted limits before becoming the powerful public anger that such conduct arouses.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outrage come from?
The word entered Middle English from Old French outrage, which developed from a Medieval Latin form associated with conduct beyond proper or acceptable limits. Its older sense referred to a wrongful or excessive act, while the modern sense of indignation developed alongside it. Related English forms such as outrageous, outrager, and outrageously continue the same historical derivational line.
Related word forms
How outrage is actually used
Outrage is a formal and emphatic word. It is especially common in reporting and public discussion, where phrases such as "public outrage" and "cause outrage" convey widespread moral indignation. The verb is less common but is widely understood.
Easily confused with outrage
Indignation is the feeling of offended dignity or moral disapproval, whereas outrage is often a stronger, more emotionally charged form of anger at a particularly shocking act.
Disgrace refers to shame or loss of reputation, while outrage focuses on anger or indignation provoked by an action.