憤り

• Reading: いきどおり
• Romaji: ikidoori
• Kanji breakdown: 憤 (iki/fun) — indignation, righteous anger; り — okurigana nominaliser
• Pronunciation: /i.ki.do.o.ɾi/

Meaning

Indignation; anger; resentment; outrage. A burning sense of anger arising from perceived injustice or moral wrong.

From the verb 憤る (ikidooru), expressing righteous anger over unfairness or wrongdoing. Unlike 怒り (ikari, simple anger), 憤り carries a strong moral dimension — it is the anger of someone who has witnessed an injustice. Common patterns include 憤りを覚える (to feel indignation) and 憤りが高まる (indignation grows). Frequently encountered in political, social justice, and literary contexts.

Examples

1. 不当な扱いに対して、彼の胸には激しい憤りが渦巻いていた。 A fierce indignation swirled in his chest over the unjust treatment.
2. 市民の憤りは議会の腐敗を告発するデモとなって噴出した。 The citizens' outrage erupted in demonstrations denouncing the corruption in parliament.
3. 正義が踏みにじられるのを見て、彼女は心の底から憤りを覚えた。 Watching justice being trampled, she felt indignation from the depths of her heart.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, social justice, literature, journalism

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From the verb 憤る (ikidooru), meaning to be indignant or enraged. The kanji 憤 contains the heart radical (忄) and suggests emotions building to the point of bursting outward, capturing the explosive force of righteous anger.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal