indignant

Imagine someone cuts in front of you in a long line after you've been waiting patiently. That sharp feeling of anger at something unfair is what this word means. When you are indignant, you feel or show anger because something seems unjust, unfair, or insulting. It is more than just being upset; you feel that you have a good reason to be angry because a wrong has been done. A character in a novel might become indignant when falsely accused, or a citizen might feel indignant about government corruption. Think of it as anger mixed with a strong sense that something is not right.

To be indignant is to feel a particular kind of anger caused by something you see as unfair or insulting. It is not just simple frustration; it includes a clear sense of being wronged. You feel that you have been treated unjustly or that an important idea of fairness has been broken. This feeling often comes with a desire to speak up, correct the wrong, or restore a sense of fairness.

The word usually has a moral side to it. You are not simply annoyed by an inconvenience; you are upset because you believe something is wrong in a deeper way. A customer might be indignant if overcharged for a service, feeling they deserve fair treatment. An activist might feel indignant about social injustice, and that feeling may push them to act. Even a child can become indignant when a sibling receives a larger piece of cake, believing the situation is unfair.

This feeling can range from quiet, controlled anger to a strong and open protest. It is often expressed through sharp words or clear actions: a firm complaint, a public objection, or a refusal to accept bad treatment. In literature and history, you may see an "indignant outburst," which describes someone reacting strongly to defend their honor, values, or rights.

Ultimately, if you feel strong anger because something seems wrong, unfair, or insulting, you are feeling indignant. It is an emotion closely tied to your sense of justice, dignity, and self-respect.