rage

 
Pronunciation: /reɪdʒ/

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] violent uncontrollable anger: her face was distorted with rage [count noun]: he flew into a rage
  • [with modifier] anger or aggression associated with conflict arising from a particular situation: office rage is on the increase
  • the violent action of a natural agency: the rising rage of the sea
  • 2 [in singular] a vehement desire or passion: a rage for absolute honesty informs much western art
  • (the rage) a widespread temporary enthusiasm or fashion: computer games are all the rage
  • literary prophetic, poetic, or martial enthusiasm or ardour: Leaden Age, Quicken’d with Youthfull Spleene, and Warlike Rage
  • 3Australian/NZ informal a lively party: the sound of the rage filled the campus

verb

[no object]
  • 1feel or express violent uncontrollable anger: he raged at the futility of it all [with direct speech]: ‘That’s unfair!’ Maggie raged
  • [with adverbial] (of a natural agency or a conflict) continue violently or with great force: the argument raged for days
  • [with adverbial of direction] (of an illness or fire) spread very rapidly or uncontrollably: the great cholera epidemic which raged across Europe in 1831
  • (of an emotion) have or reach a high degree of intensity: she couldn’t hide the fear that raged within her
  • 2Australian/NZ informal go out and enjoy oneself socially: get ready to rage!

Derivatives

rager

noun

Origin:

Middle English (also in the sense 'madness'): from Old French rage (noun), rager (verb), from a variant of Latin rabies (see rabies)