Definition of wrath

The word "wrath" can be traced back to the Old English word "wræð", which originated from the Germanic root "wrat-", meaning "to resist" or "grave". This root is also the source for the Old Norse word "röðr", which translated to English means "avenger" or "avenging justice". The early use of "wræð" in Old English referred to a sense of displeasure or resentment, often as a result of being wronged. As the language evolved, the meaning of "wræð" began to take on a more ominous connotation, eventually developing into the modern English sense of "violent anger". Throughout history, the word "wrath" has been deeply intertwined with religious and cultural contexts. In the Bible, for example, "wrath" is frequently used as a synonym for divine punishment, as in the phrase "God's wrath". In some Indo-European mythologies, "wrath" is personified as a deity, representing the fury and vengeance of the gods. In contemporary English, the use of "wrath" has expanded beyond its religious and cultural origins, and is now commonly used to describe intense anger in secular contexts as well. However, many of its historical connotations still hold true, as the word carries with it a sense of deep-seated negative emotions and potential consequences.