The word indignation is used to describe strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting or unrighteous.
It comes from the Latin word indignationem, meaning displeasure.
Indignation is a noun of action from the past participle stem of indignari, meaning unworthy, to be angry at, or to be displeased with.
[1] According to Cicero's De Inventione, Book I, “indignation is a kind of speech by which the effect produced is, that great hatred is excited against a man, or dislike of some proceeding is originated.” [2] The goal is for the speaker to create anger projected towards the opponent or the accused such that the speaker is seen more positively than the opponent.
[3] Aristotle wrote in his Rhetoric, Book II, Chapter 9, “indignation is the emotion most directly opposed to pity.” Aristotle also writes “Indignation is pain caused by the sight of undeserved good fortune.” [4] The terms indignation and indignatio are closely related in part by their common negative emotionality and anger.