Enraged vs. Outraged — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 27, 2024
Enraged refers to a powerful, often violent, internal anger, whereas outraged describes a profound moral indignation triggered by perceived injustice or offense.
Difference Between Enraged and Outraged
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Enraged is an intense emotional state of anger, typically resulting from personal affronts or provocations. On the other hand, outraged often stems from witnessing or learning about moral wrongs or social injustices, affecting a broader societal response.
Being enraged usually leads to a visceral, sometimes uncontrollable response, where physical or verbal expressions of anger are common. In contrast, being outraged might prompt public denunciations or calls for action against the perceived wrongs.
Enraged emotions are deeply personal and can result from a variety of individual triggers. Conversely, outrage is generally shared amongst a group, community, or society, often being expressed through collective action or social media.
The state of being enraged can result in a loss of self-control, characterized by actions driven by fury. Whereas, outraged individuals are more likely to maintain a focus on advocacy and justice, channeling their anger into more structured responses.
Enraged feelings can diminish once the immediate situation is addressed or subsides. Outrage, however, might linger or lead to long-term advocacy and changes in policy or public awareness, as it often ties into broader ethical or moral frameworks.
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Comparison Chart
Source of Feel
Personal affronts or provocations
Perceived injustices or offenses
Response Type
Often violent or physical
More vocal or demonstrative
Emotional Trigger
Personal and specific
Ethical or moral
Duration
Short-lived, based on situation
Potentially long-lasting
Common Outcomes
Personal retaliation or violence
Advocacy, public outcry
Compare with Definitions
Enraged
Intensely angry; furious.
He was enraged by the unfair accusation.
Outraged
Incited to anger by something unjust or unworthy.
The community was outraged by the lack of response.
Enraged
Filled with rage; seething.
Enraged beyond reason, he couldn't listen to any advice.
Outraged
Stimulated to protest or act because of an offense.
Outraged, they organized a demonstration.
Enraged
Overwhelmed by anger affecting rationality.
Enraged, he stormed out of the room.
Outraged
Feeling violated or infringed upon by an immoral act.
He felt outraged at the privacy invasion.
Enraged
Provoked to a high degree of anger; incensed.
She became enraged at the sight of injustice.
Outraged
Provoked to react against a societal wrong.
Outraged citizens wrote letters to their representatives.
Enraged
Driven to violent action by anger.
The crowd was enraged by the decision and reacted chaotically.
Outraged
Offended deeply; morally indignant.
She was outraged by the corruption in the government.
Enraged
To put into a rage; infuriate.
Outraged
Outraged is the eleventh studio album by Japanese heavy metal band Outrage. It was released on 5 June 2013 on the Thunderball 667 label.
Enraged
Angered, made furious, made full of rage.
Outraged
An act of extreme violence or viciousness
Outrages committed by the dictatorship.
Enraged
(obsolete) Insane, mad.
Outraged
Something that is grossly offensive to decency, morality, or good taste
Viewed the film as an outrage to common decency.
Enraged
Simple past tense and past participle of enrage
Outraged
Resentful anger aroused by a violent or offensive act, or an instance of this
The incident sparked a public outrage.
Enraged
Filled with or indicating extreme anger; as, an enraged bull.
Outraged
To offend grossly against (standards of decency or morality); commit an outrage on.
Enraged
Marked by extreme anger;
The enraged bull attached
Furious about the accident
A furious scowl
Infuriated onlookers charged the police who were beating the boy
Could not control the maddened crowd
Outraged
To produce anger or resentment in
Was outraged that he was lied to.
Outraged
Simple past tense and past participle of outrage.
The accused's stubborn silence outraged the prosecutor.
Outraged
Deeply angered at something unjust or wrong; incensed; as, a look of outraged disbelief.
Outraged
Angered at something unjust or wrong;
An indignant denial
Incensed at the judges' unfairness
A look of outraged disbelief
Umbrageous at the loss of their territory
Common Curiosities
How do people typically express outrage?
People express outrage through vocal criticism, protests, and other forms of advocacy.
What typically causes feelings of outrage?
Witnessing or learning about violations of moral or social norms often causes outrage.
Can outrage lead to positive changes?
Yes, outrage can be a powerful motivator for societal or political change.
What causes someone to feel enraged?
Personal provocations or threats can trigger an enraged response.
What is a common physical response when enraged?
Physical aggression or yelling are common when someone is enraged.
Is it possible to calm down someone who is enraged?
Yes, calming techniques and removing the provocation can help pacify someone who is enraged.
Is being enraged dangerous?
Yes, being enraged can lead to loss of self-control and potentially harmful actions.
Do cultural factors influence how outrage is expressed?
Yes, cultural norms and values significantly influence how and when outrage is expressed.
Can outrage be considered a constructive emotion?
Outrage can be constructive when it drives efforts to correct injustices.
How can organizations address public outrage?
Organizations can address public outrage by openly communicating and taking corrective actions.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
