high dudgeon
Noun: - A state of intense indignation or offended anger: "High dudgeon" refers to a feeling of deep resentment, often accompanied by a sense of being insulted or wronged. It is an archaic term almost exclusively used in the fixed phrase "in high dudgeon."
The term is used to describe someone's emotional state when they are profoundly offended and angrily depart or react. - It is almost always used in the prepositional phrase "in high dudgeon." - It describes a formal or haughty kind of anger, often implying that the person feels their dignity has been slighted.
- After his proposal was rejected, he left the meeting in high dudgeon.
- She listened to the criticism and marched out of the room in high dudgeon.
- The ambassador, insulted by the remark, withdrew from the negotiations in high dudgeon.
- "In high dudgeon": This is the standard and virtually only modern usage. It functions as an adverbial phrase describing the manner in which someone leaves or acts—angrily and with a sense of wounded pride.
- The committee member resigned in high dudgeon after the vote.
- Dudgeon (noun, archaic): The root word, meaning a feeling of offense or resentment. It is rarely used on its own in contemporary English.
- Indignation (noun): A more common synonym for anger aroused by something unjust or mean.
- Umbrage (noun): Offense or annoyance. Often used in the phrase "to take umbrage at."
- Indignation
- Wrath
- Outrage
- Umbrage
- Offense
"High dudgeon" specifically conveys a sense of righteous anger or formal displeasure. It is not used for casual irritation but for a serious, often pompous, reaction to a perceived insult. Its archaic nature gives it a somewhat literary or humorous tone when used today.
- a feeling of intense indignation (now used only in the phrase `in high dudgeon')