German word

Zorn

Pronunciation

IPA/t͡sɔʁn/

Meaning

  • masculine nounanger

Example

Er konnte seinen Zorn nicht länger zurückhalten.

He could no longer hold back his anger.

Illustration for Zorn (anger)

More examples

Der Chef richtete seinen Zorn auf den Lieferanten.

The boss directed his anger at the supplier.

Core concept

A person holds back a hot surge of anger until it shows in the face and voice.

Common phrases

  • seinen Zorn an jemandem auslassen

    take one's anger out on someone

  • Zorn auf jemanden richten

    direct one's anger at someone

  • vor Zorn rot sehen

    see red with anger

Similar words

Wut: A sudden surge of intense anger that feels ready to explode.
Ärger: Annoyance or anger caused by inconvenience, frustration, or displeasure.
Groll: Lingering anger or resentment that remains difficult to let go.
Empörung: Strong anger at injustice that is openly expressed.

Definition in German

Starkes Gefühl von Ärger oder Empörung, das sich oft deutlich äußerlich zeigt.

Word origin

Zorn is an inherited Germanic noun recorded as Old High German zorn and Middle High German zorn, rather than a later Romance borrowing.

Usage tips

  • Zorn is masculine, so the standard form is der Zorn; it is usually treated as an uncountable noun and rarely takes a plural.

Other meanings

  • indignationnoun

Opposites

  • Mildemildnessnoun
  • Versöhnlichkeitconciliatorinessnoun

Related words

  • erzürnenangerverb
  • zornigangryadjective

Word lists with this word