Wrath: A Dictionary for the Enraged by Adams Media

A
abash
    (uh-BASH)
    VERB: To humiliate, shame, or embarrass someone.
abhorrent
    (ab-HOR-ent)
    ADJECTIVE: Repulsive or reprehensible.
abominate
    (uh-BOM-ih-nayt)
    VERB: To detest or hate intensely.
    Even though the divorce was finalized, it didn’t change the fact that Rachel still ABOMINATED her ex-husband for having an affair.
acerbate
    (AS-er-bayt)
    VERB OR ADJECTIVE: As a verb, to exasperate. As an adjective, embittered.
acrid
    (AK-rid)
    ADJECTIVE: Most often used to describe something that is bitter or harsh in smell or taste, the word can be applied in a more general sense to anything that is extremely angry and bitter.
acrimonious
    (ak-ri-MO-nee-us)
    ADJECTIVE: Bitter or hostile; something that is acrimonious is filled with anger and animosity.
adverse
    (AD-vers)
    ADJECTIVE: Acting in opposition to or in an antagonistic manner; unfavorable; hostile.
affliction
    (uh-FLICK-shun)
    NOUN: A condition of physical or mental suffering; hardship.
    Sophie’s self-hatred became such an AFFLICTION that no one was surprised by her eventual suicide.
aggravate
    (AG-ruh-vayt)
    VERB: to make worse; to intensify; to cause to become irritated or inflamed.
alienate
    (AY-lee-uh-nayt)
    VERB: To isolate or make someone feel as if he or she no longer belongs somewhere; estrange.
amerce
    (uh-MERSS)
    VERB: To punish, especially with a monetary fine.
anathema
    (uh-NATH-eh-muh)
    NOUN: A person or thing that is shunned because it is extremely disliked or loathsome.
anger
    (ANG-ger)
    NOUN OR VERB: As a noun, a strong feeling of displeasure. As a verb, to arouse wrath within.
animadversion
    (an-uh-mad-VER-zhun)
    NOUN: An extremely critical and reproachful comment.
animosity
    (an-ih-MOSS-ih-tee)
    NOUN: Extreme hostility or resentment.
animus
    (AN-uh-muss)
    NOUN: Hostility or ill feeling.
    I was angry with my friend:
I told my wrath,
my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not,
my wrath did grow.
    —W ILLIAM B LAKE
antagonism
    (an-TAG-uh-niz-uhm)
    NOUN: An opposition between unfriendly or conflicting people or groups.
antipathy
    (an-TIP-uh-thee)
    NOUN: A feeling of strong revulsion or hostility or the source of that hostility.
    If you feel such ANTIPATHY towards your job, why do you continue to go?
apocalyptic
    (uh-pok-uh-LIP-tik)
    ADJECTIVE: As in the Bible’s book of Revelation, apocalyptic refers to an event involving widespread destruction or disaster.
apoplectic
    (ap-uh-PLECK-tic)
    ADJECTIVE: An “apoplexy” is a stroke, so apoplectic can refer to the symptoms of a stroke, but it also refers to being in a state of extreme anger or rage.
arson
    (AHR-suhn)
    NOUN: The intentional destruction of property by fire for malicious reasons.
artifice
    (ART-ih-fuss)
    NOUN: Clever trickery or deceit.
    Through your well-rehearsed ARTIFICE you were able to embezzle over $40,000.
askance
    (uh-SKANTS)
    ADVERB: Can refer to looking at something in a sideways manner or with suspicion or disapproval; doubtfully.
asperity
    (a-SPAYR-ih-tee)
    NOUN: A manner that is harsh or severe; brusqueness.
aspersion
    (uh-SPUR-zhun)
    NOUN: A slanderous or defamatory charge; false accusation. The word is often used in the plural.
aversion
    (uh-VUR-zhun)
    NOUN: Extreme hatred or loathing; repugnance.

B
baleful
    (BAYL-ful)
    ADJECTIVE: Threatening misfortune to come; ominous.
bane
    (bayn)
    NOUN: Something that causes harm or destruction; scourge.
barbarism
    (BAR-ber-ism)
    NOUN: Uncivilized or brutal behavior or actions; savagery.
bedlam
    (BED-lum)
    NOUN: A situation marked by confusion or chaos; mayhem.
    During the riots out in the streets, the BEDLAM was such that we were unable to get in or out of our flat.
belabor
    (bih-LAY-burr)
    VERB: To attack or assault either physically or verbally.
beleaguer
    (bee-LEEG-urr)
    VERB: To besiege or harass a person; bother.
belligerent
    (buh-LIJ-er-ent)
    ADJECTIVE: From the Latin word for “war,” a belligerent person is someone who is argumentative or pugnacious.
bemoan
    (bih-MOAN)
    VERB: To express regret or disappointment;