infuriate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
infuriate Word Meanings
- to make someone very angry
- to provoke extreme annoyance
- to incite rage
infuriate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
infuriate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˈfjʊəriˌeɪt/
US
/ɪnˈfjʊrɪˌeɪt/
infuriate Word Etymology
in- = not + fury = rage. Origin: Latin ‘infuriatus’ derived from ‘furere’ (to rage) through Old French into English. Imagine a volcano erupting with rage, spewing lava of frustration everywhere.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Infuriate is a strong verb meaning to cause someone to become extremely angry or furious. It is not a casual synonym for annoy or irritate; infuriate implies a high level of anger and often a response to what is perceived as unfair, extreme, or provocative behavior. The subject is usually a person who experiences the anger, and the effect is to incite a strong emotional outburst. In usage you typically say to infuriate someone or that something infuriates someone. It can carry moral judgment, and the related adjective infuriating describes the thing that causes this anger.
Usage Reminders
- Think of intensity: infuriate is stronger than irritate or annoy. Use with animate subjects. Often follows provocative actions. Consider tone: moral judgment can be implied. Avoid overusing in casual conversation. Pair with reported speech for impact.
Common Misconceptions
- It always means a violent reaction; it does not have to imply physical harm.
- It can be used with inanimate objects; usually it cannot.
- Infuriate is not the same as anger; it describes causing extreme anger in others.
- Infuriate does not describe your own emotion; you infuriate someone else.
- Infuriate is not a casual, everyday synonym for annoy.
Thinking Differences
In English we reserve infuriate for a powerful, often morally charged push to anger. Learners must choose between infuriate and milder verbs like irritate or annoy based on the target’s emotional intensity and the speaker’s judgment about the act.
Learning Tips
- Note the verb must take a person as the object: infuriate someone.
- Pair with a precise cause: infuriate someone with ..., to show why.
- Differentiate from irritate and annoy; intensity matters.
- Use in formal writing when describing strong outrage.
- Watch for infuriating as adjective to describe the trigger, not the person.
- Practice with passive voice: be infuriated by ...
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'infuriate'?
A.To anger
B.To confuse
C.To amuse
D.To applaud
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'infuriate' used correctly?
A.Her kindness touched me.
B.His rude behavior infuriated me.
C.The joke made me laugh.
D.I admire his talent.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is an antonym of 'infuriate'?
A.Enrage
B.Delight
C.Anger
D.Irritate
Step 4: Opposite Words
In what real-life context might someone feel infuriated?
A.Receiving a gift
B.Winning a prize
C.Being unfairly criticized
D.Enjoying a sunny day
Step 5: Mastery
Reflecting on 'infuriate', how might you use this word in a conversation?
A.She was intrigued by his intelligence.
B.She was confused by his honesty.
C.She was delighted by his compassion.
D.She was infuriated by his constant lies.
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