WordGarden.ioindignation
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪndɪɡnˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌɪndɪɡˈneɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
anger or outrage at something seen as unfair or wrong
Beyond the definition
Indignation isn't just ordinary anger; it's the kind of anger you feel when something seems unfair or wrong. If someone cuts in line, you might feel annoyed. But if you see a person being treated badly on purpose, you may feel something stronger. That feeling is indignation. It often pushes people to speak up or take action.
It usually comes with a strong sense that a wrong has been done. You don't just dislike what happened; you feel that it should not have happened at all, and you want it to be made right. Writers such as Charles Dickens often showed characters moved by this feeling, especially when they saw cruelty or social unfairness. It is a strong emotion, and it can lead to change.
Indignation is a feeling of anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment of oneself or others. It's more than just simple frustration; it carries a strong moral component—the belief that something shouldn't have happened, and that someone has been wronged.
Think about witnessing an act of bullying. You might feel sympathy for the victim, but if you also experience a surge of anger at the bully's behavior, that's indignation. It's often accompanied by a desire to see justice served or wrongs righted. It's not necessarily personal—you don't have to be directly affected to feel indignant; witnessing injustice done to others can be enough.
The word comes from the Latin indignatio, meaning "disdain" or "the feeling that something is unworthy." Essentially, indignation arises when something violates your sense of what is right and proper.
You might read about historical figures expressing their indignation through fiery speeches or passionate writings. In literature, it's a common driver for plot and character development. For example, in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet feels strong indignation towards Mr. Darcy's initial arrogance and perceived slight against her family.
So, while anger can be fleeting and self-centered, indignation is often fueled by principle, justice, and a desire to see the world become a fairer place. It's a powerful emotion that can inspire action and drive social change.
Examples
- 1
Everyday unfairness
She felt a surge of indignation when the waiter ignored her and served everyone else first.
- 2
Angry response
"How dare you speak to me like that?" he said, his voice shaking with indignation.
- 3
Workplace protest
Staff expressed indignation at the sudden pay cuts.
- 4
Public reaction
The video caused public indignation over how the animals had been treated.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Personal reaction
To her indignation, her idea was credited to someone else.
- Patternto someone's indignation
in a way that makes that person feel indignant
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
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Used with (collocations)
- righteous indignation
- public indignation
- feel indignation
- indignation at
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- indignationnoun