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Wrath

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Intense anger, often with a desire for vengeance or retribution.
2. A strong, violent, and sometimes destructive reaction or feeling of rage.
3. Divine punishment or retribution in religious contexts.

History and Origin

The word “wrath” comes from the Old English wræth, meaning “anger” or “fury.” It has roots in the Proto-Germanic wrath, which conveys the idea of violent or intense anger. “Wrath” has been used in English since the early medieval period, often to describe not just personal anger but also divine anger or vengeance. In religious texts, wrath often refers to the anger of gods, especially in terms of punishment for transgressions. Over time, the term has retained its association with strong emotional reactions and has been used in both secular and religious contexts.

Detailed Explanation

“Wrath” refers to an extreme form of anger, often characterized by fury, rage, or vengeance. Unlike general anger, wrath implies a more violent and intense emotion, one that might lead to destructive actions or a desire for punishment. It is often associated with the loss of control, where emotions overtake reason. In a religious or mythological context, wrath is sometimes personified as the anger of a deity or supernatural force, particularly in relation to punishment or retribution for wrongdoings. Wrath is seen as a dangerous emotion due to its potential to cause harm or to influence reckless decisions.

Example Sentences

1. The villain’s wrath was unleashed when he discovered the betrayal.
2. She felt the sting of her father’s wrath after she broke the vase.
3. The ancient texts warned of the wrath of the gods should anyone offend them.
4. His wrath was so intense that it caused him to lash out at everyone around him.
5. The wrath of the storm damaged several homes along the coastline.
6. In the heat of wrath, he made decisions he would later regret.
7. The knight sought vengeance, driven by the wrath of his fallen comrades.
8. The king’s wrath was feared by all, and even his closest advisors trembled in his presence.
9. The criminal’s wrath toward the justice system led him to plot a violent escape.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Fury – Intense, violent anger, often with the implication of destructive force.
2. Rage – Extreme and uncontrollable anger, typically resulting in violent actions or speech.
3. Anger – A strong emotional response to perceived injustice or harm, though less intense than wrath.
4. Ire – A more formal or literary word for intense anger.
5. Vengeance – The desire for retribution or punishment, often associated with wrath.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Frenzy – A wild and uncontrolled state, often driven by intense emotion such as wrath.
2. Resentment – A lingering feeling of anger or bitterness, sometimes leading to wrath.
3. Indignation – Strong displeasure or anger, often due to perceived injustice or wrong.
4. Revenge – The act of inflicting harm or punishment in response to an injury, linked with wrath.
5. Anguish – Extreme pain or suffering, often associated with emotional turmoil such as wrath.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Outrage – A strong reaction of anger or shock, often related to injustice, similar to wrath.
2. Animus – A strong feeling of hostility or antagonism, often leading to wrathful actions.
3. Vehemence – Intensity of emotion or force, often in the form of anger or wrath.
4. Blowup – A sudden, intense outburst of anger or wrath.
5. Havoc – Widespread destruction or chaos, often a consequence of wrathful actions.

Antonyms

1. Calmness
2. Patience
3. Serenity
4. Peace
5. Contentment