ire
UK: aɪə | US: aɪr
n. Anger; wrath.
The word "ire" comes directly from Latin ira, meaning "anger" or "wrath." It entered Middle English via Old French (ire), retaining its core meaning. Unlike many emotion-related words with complex roots, "ire" is monomorphic—its spelling and meaning have remained largely unchanged. The Latin ira is linked to the Proto-Indo-European root eis-, suggesting agitation or passion, which also gave rise to Greek hieros (sacred, intense) and Sanskrit iras (anger). Its concise form makes it a poetic or formal synonym for anger in modern English.
His careless remark ignited her ire.
The king’s ire fell upon the disloyal nobles.
She struggled to suppress her rising ire during the debate.
The critic’s harsh review drew the artist’s ire.
His face flushed with ire at the unfair accusation.