outrageous

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman outrageus, Middle French outrageus, from outrage; equivalent to outrage +‎ -ous.

Pronunciation
  • (UK) IPA(key): /aʊtˈɹeɪdʒəs/
  • Audio (Southern England)(file)
  • Rhymes: -eɪdʒəs

Adjective

outrageous (comparative more outrageous, superlative most outrageous)

  1. Violating morality or decency; provoking indignation or affront. [from 14th c.]
    • c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, OCLC 606515358, (please specify the act number in uppercase Roman numerals, and the scene number in lowercase Roman numerals):
      To be, or not to be, that is the Question: / Whether 'tis Nobler in the minde to suffer / The Slings and Arrowes of outragious Fortune, / Or to take Armes against a Sea of troubles, / And by opposing end them [...].
    • 2011, Paul Wilson, The Guardian, 19 Oct 2011:
      The Irish-French rugby union whistler Alain Rolland was roundly condemned for his outrageous decision that lifting a player into the air then turning him over so he falls on his head or neck amounted to dangerous play.
  2. Transgressing reasonable limits; extravagant, immoderate. [from 14th c.]
    • 1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], OCLC 21345056, page 254:
      "Now, the Lord have mercy upon me!" exclaimed Sir Robert, sinking back in his chair; "there is nothing in the world so unreasonable as a pretty woman. Well, let me hear what outrageous proposition is about to come from two at once!"
    • 2004, David Smith, The Observer, 19 Dec 2004:
      Audience members praised McKellen, best known for Shakespearean roles and as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, for his show-stealing turn as Twankey in a series of outrageous glitzy dresses.
  3. Shocking; exceeding conventional behaviour; provocative. [from 18th c.]
    • 1935, George Goodchild, chapter 1, in Death on the Centre Court:
      She mixed furniture with the same fatal profligacy as she mixed drinks, and this outrageous contact between things which were intended by Nature to be kept poles apart gave her an inexpressible thrill.
    • 2001, Imogen Tilden, The Guardian, 8 Dec 2001:
      "It's something I really am quite nervous about," he admits, before adding, with relish: "You have to be a bit outrageous and challenging sometimes."
  4. (now rare) Fierce, violent. [from 14th c.]

Derived terms

Translations

Further reading
  • outrageous in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • outrageous in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911
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