ignite anger

USAGE SUMMARY

"ignite anger" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or action that causes someone to become angry. For example, "The insensitive comment about his mother's death ignited anger in him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The militants' captions seemed tailor-made to ignite anger and fear among Shiites.

The New York Times

But if the government makes weekend surgeries compulsory, Mathieson says, that will ignite anger from the unions, and contracts would need to be renegotiated.

The Guardian

For some of Egypt's wealthiest people, it will take more than the rising price of salmon to ignite anger with the government.

The Guardian

A scholar of digital media, identity and privacy, Cheney-Lippold has the academic chops to examine how cultural debates ignite anger that spreads online, threatening those who take a controversial stand.

The Washington Post

His trademarks are all there: the quick, elliptical scenes, the unfussy fades to black, and the pulse of interest that can bring a camera hastening smoothly to inspect the characters, up close and personal, as their feelings ignite — anger on Paul's face, as he sits with a drink, or despair on that of his mother (Caroline Silhol), as her immaculate manners start to crack.

The New Yorker

The agreement is bound to ignite anger in the Arab world, especially Mr Bush's rejection of a Palestinian right of return, which will have a direct impact on countries such as Jordan, Syria and Lebanon which have substantial populations of refugees.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The blocking began on Friday and has ignited anger and frustration among many Internet users in China.

The New York Times - Tech

Jamelia has  ignited anger from people of all sizes across the UK by arguing that plus-size and size-zero clothes should only be sold in specialist stores.

Independent

Activists said at least five people were killed when security forces opened fire on the funeral in Qamishli, a city in northeastern Syria, igniting anger among a long restive Kurdish community that the government had tried to avoid provoking.

The New York Times

Unlike in the South China Sea, where the frictions center on competition for natural resources, the East Asian island disputes are more about history, rooted in lingering — and easily ignited — anger over Japan's brutal dominance decades ago.

The New York Times

The US found no solace with allies in the Arab League, which condemned the decision as a "dangerous violation of international law" that "deepens tension, ignites anger and threatens to plunge region into more violence and chaos".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ignite anger" when you want to emphasize the sudden and forceful way something causes anger. It suggests a rapid escalation of emotion.

Common error

While "ignite anger" is effective, avoid using similarly strong verbs repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language to prevent your writing from sounding melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ignite anger" functions as a verb phrase, where "ignite" (a verb) acts upon "anger" (a noun). According to Ludwig AI, this phrase correctly describes a situation or action that causes someone to become angry. The verb "ignite" here is used metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ignite anger" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable expression used to depict situations where anger is provoked or intensified. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe actions or events that cause someone to become angry. It appears primarily in news and media contexts, where it serves to highlight the emotional impact of specific events. While other phrases like "provoke anger" or "stir up anger" share similar meanings, "ignite anger" often implies a more sudden and forceful eruption of emotion. When writing, ensure that the use of strong verbs like "ignite" is balanced to avoid an overly dramatic tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provoke anger

Suggests a deliberate act of stirring up anger.

stir up anger

Implies an action that awakens or intensifies existing anger.

spark outrage

Indicates a sudden burst of anger and indignation, often in a public context.

fuel resentment

Highlights the feeding or intensifying of already present feelings of resentment.

inflame passions

Focuses on intensifying strong emotions, not just anger.

trigger fury

Emphasizes the sudden and intense onset of anger.

arouse indignation

Suggests a formal or moral sense of anger being awakened.

cause animosity

Implies the creation of hostility and ill-will.

generate wrath

Indicates a powerful and intense form of anger being produced.

foment discord

Focuses on stirring up conflict and disagreement, which may or may not involve anger.

FAQs

How can I use "ignite anger" in a sentence?

You can use "ignite anger" to describe how an action or event triggers or intensifies feelings of anger. For example: "The politician's controversial statement ignited anger among voters."

What does "ignite anger" mean?

The phrase "ignite anger" means to cause or provoke strong feelings of anger. It suggests a rapid and intense onset of anger.

What are some synonyms for "ignite anger"?

Some synonyms for "ignite anger" include "provoke anger", "stir up anger", or "spark outrage".

Is it correct to say "ignite anger"?

Yes, "ignite anger" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, particularly in news and media contexts.