verb
entrüsten
be indignant
Definition & meaning
Entrüsten means to outrage or to make someone indignant. It is most commonly used reflexively:
- sich über etwas entrüsten — to be outraged or indignant about something
Sie entrüstete sich über die ungerechte Entscheidung. — She was outraged by the unfair decision. - jemanden entrüsten — to outrage someone
Die Nachricht entrüstete viele Menschen. — The news outraged many people.
The verb usually suggests strong moral indignation, often expressed openly.
Grammar & Word origin
- Infinitive: entrüsten
- Verb type: weak verb; the prefix ent- is inseparable
- Past tense: entrüstete
- Past participle: entrüstet
- Auxiliary verb: haben
- Reflexive use commonly takes über + accusative: sich über den Vorschlag entrüsten.
The word consists of ent- and rüsten. It is historically related to rüsten (“to equip” or “to arm”), but the modern meaning is idiomatic and does not literally mean “to disarm.”
Synonyms & antonyms
- empören — to outrage or become outraged; very close in meaning and also commonly used reflexively.
- erzürnen — to anger or enrage; emphasizes anger more than moral indignation.
- aufbringen — to anger or provoke someone; more conversational and less specifically associated with moral outrage.
There is no exact antonym. Depending on context:
- beruhigen — to calm down; describes reducing someone’s agitation.
- beschwichtigen — to appease or placate; focuses on soothing someone’s anger or indignation.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Sie entrüstet sich über den hohen Preis.verb
She is indignant about the high price.
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