Definition of outrage

The term "outrage" originated in Middle English around the 14th century, as an adaptation of the Old French "outrirage," which referred to a violent or excessive act. The original meaning of "outrage" in Middle English was "a wrongful or violent act committed by one to another" or "an infringement of legal or moral rights." The term referred to any act that aroused strong feelings of anger, disgust, or disapproval in the community. Over time, the meaning of "outrage" evolved to include any act that was widely perceived as shocking, scandalous, or deeply offensive to public morality or decency. It came to be used to describe a variety of actions, ranging from sexual assault and physical violence to political corruption and abuse of power. The modern use of "outrage" to describe excessive emotional or moral indignation itself is a more recent development, reflecting the growing cultural and political emphasis on issues of social justice and human rights. Today, the term is often used interchangeably with "scandal" or "controversy," and is a common feature of media discourse and public discourse more broadly.