What does outraged mean?
Outraged describes a state of strong anger and moral indignation, particularly in response to injustice, cruelty, mistreatment, or something widely regarded as offensive. In its most common use, it functions as an adjective: people are “outraged by” a decision, incident, or action. It is also the past tense and past participle of the verb “outrage,” as in “the remark outraged the audience.” The word is common in news reports, public debate, formal writing, and everyday conversation, though it is generally stronger and more emphatic than “upset” or “annoyed.” Unlike “outrageous,” which describes a shocking or excessive thing, “outraged” focuses on the emotional and moral response of the person affected. Its force comes from the combination of anger and an implied judgment that something has violated serious ethical or social expectations.
Feeling or expressing strong anger and moral indignation, especially at an injustice, cruelty, or offensive act.
"Thousands of citizens were outraged by the court's leniency."
The construction “outraged by” is especially common, although the word can also directly modify a noun, as in “outraged residents.”
To cause strong anger or moral indignation in someone.
"The company's handling of the data breach outraged customers."
This is the past tense or past participle of “outrage.”
Outraged is anger with a moral compass: it usually expresses indignation at a perceived injustice rather than ordinary irritation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outraged come from?
“Outraged” derives from the verb “outrage,” a Middle English word that came through Old French from a Medieval Latin form associated with conduct that exceeded accepted limits. The modern adjective and participial form developed from that older verb. Related English words include “outrageous” and “outrageously,” which preserve the same historical root.
Related word forms
How outraged is actually used
Outraged is especially common in formal, journalistic, and public discussion. It normally conveys more than simple annoyance, suggesting anger directed at an act perceived as seriously wrong, unfair, or offensive.
Easily confused with outraged
Outraged describes a person's angry or indignant reaction, whereas outrageous describes the conduct or event that provokes such a reaction.