wroth
UK: rəʊθ | US: roʊθ
Definition
adj. (archaic) intensely angry; furious
Structure
wr <twist/distort>oth <condition/state>
Etymology
wroth = wr<twist/distort> + oth<condition/state>
- wr (from Old English wrāþ, meaning "angry" or "twisted/distorted," related to wrath)
- oth (a suffix denoting a state or condition, akin to Old English -oþ)
Etymology Origin:
"Wroth" traces back to Old English wrāþ, which originally conveyed the idea of being "twisted" or "distorted" in emotion, later narrowing to mean "angry." The suffix -oþ (modern -th) was used to form abstract nouns or adjectives describing states. Over time, "wroth" became archaic, replaced by "wrathful" or "angry," but retains its vivid imagery of emotional turmoil.
Examples
The king grew wroth when his orders were disobeyed.
Her wroth expression silenced the room.
In the tale, the dragon was wroth after its treasure was stolen.
He spoke in a wroth tone, his fists clenched.
The prophet’s wroth warnings went unheeded.