1.
righteous indignation; righteous anger
Anger or outrage motivated by a sense of justice, rather than personal grievance. The feeling of fury at witnessing injustice, corruption, or wrongdoing.
不正に対して義憤を感じた。
I felt righteous indignation at the injustice.
市民たちは義憤に駆られてデモに参加した。
The citizens, driven by righteous anger, participated in the demonstration.
弱い者がいじめられているのを見て、義憤を抑えられなかった。
Seeing the weak being bullied, I couldn't suppress my righteous anger.
A compound of 義 (righteousness, justice) and 憤 (indignation, anger).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 義憤を感じる (feel righteous indignation)
- 義憤に駆られる (be driven by righteous anger)
- 義憤を抑える (suppress one's righteous anger)
- 義憤に燃える (burn with righteous anger)
Distinguished from ordinary 怒り (anger) by its moral dimension — 義憤 is anger on behalf of justice or others, not personal frustration. Frequently used in written and formal contexts, especially in journalism and political commentary.