Dictionary

1wrath

noun \ˈrath, chiefly British ˈrth\

: extreme anger

Full Definition of WRATH

1
:  strong vengeful anger or indignation
2
:  retributory punishment for an offense or a crime :  divine chastisement
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Examples of WRATH

  1. That winter it rained in Los Angeles for three months straight, as if I had brought with me a terrible wrath that somehow agitated the atmosphere, releasing a flood of rain. —Patrick Moore, Tweaked, 2006

Origin of WRATH

Middle English, from Old English wrǣththo, from wrāth wroth — more at wroth
First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of WRATH

anger, ire, rage, fury, indignation, wrath mean an intense emotional state induced by displeasure. anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity <tried to hide his anger>. ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling <cheeks flushed with ire>. rage and fury suggest loss of self-control from violence of emotion <shook with rage> <could not contain his fury>. indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful <a comment that caused general indignation>. wrath is likely to suggest a desire or intent to punish or get revenge <I feared her wrath if I was discovered>.

Rhymes with WRATH

2wrath

adjective \ˈrath, chiefly British ˈrth\

Definition of WRATH

archaic
:  wrathful

Examples of WRATH

  1. … Take heed the Queen come not within his sight; / For Oberon is passing fell and wrath … —William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream, 1596

Origin of WRATH

alteration of wroth
First Known Use: 1535
WRATH Defined for Kids

wrath

noun \ˈrath\

Definition of WRATH for Kids

:  violent anger :  rage

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