French word

indignation

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃diɲasjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounoutrage

Example

Les voisins ont montré leur indignation contre le bruit.

The neighbors showed their outrage at the noise.

Illustration for indignation (outrage)

More examples

Le public a exprimé son indignation après la décision.

The public expressed its indignation after the decision.

Core concept

A forceful inner protest against treatment that violates a sense of what is right.

Common phrases

  • exprimer son indignation

    express one's indignation

  • provoquer l'indignation

    provoke indignation

  • manifester son indignation

    show one's indignation

Similar words

colère: A powerful feeling of anger.
mécontentement: Displeasure arising when hopes or expectations are not fulfilled.
irritation: A slight feeling of annoyance over a small matter.
révolte: Strong opposition to injustice accompanied by a desire to resist.

Definition in French

Colère vive dirigée contre une injustice, une offense ou une conduite jugée inacceptable.

Word origin

French inherited indignation from Latin indignatio, the noun related to indignari, to consider something unworthy or improper.

Usage tips

  • Indignation is more formal and morally charged than colère, so it commonly appears in public criticism and serious reporting.

Opposites

Related words

  • indignerangerverb
  • indignéindignantadjective

Word lists with this word