indignant

Indignant is an adjective describing a feeling of anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment, hypocrisy, or insult. The emotion is typically tied to a sense of moral offense rather than mere irritation, and it often manifests as protest or questioning of a perceived wrong. Indignation can be directed at individuals, institutions, or societal practices and may be brief or sustained depending on perceived injustice.

The term derives from the Latin indignari, “to deem unworthy,” from in- “not” + dignus “worthy.” It entered English in the early modern period and has since been used across literature, journalism, and everyday speech. It is commonly followed by prepositions such as at, about, or over: indignant at the ruling, indignant about the policy, or indignant over the decision.

In usage, indignant describes a stance rather than a specific action; it often accompanies expressions of moral outrage or righteous protest rather than of passive irritation. Synonyms include resentful, outraged, and affronted, though each carries slightly different emphasis. Indignant is frequently contrasted with passive or sorrowful emotions and with anger that is not tied to perceived injustice.

Example: She was indignant at the delay, arguing that it violated their contractual rights. The editor’s indignant editorial condemned the policy as unfair and hypocritical.

---