Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Resentment?

\Re*sent"ment\ (-ment), n. [F. ressentiment.] 1. The act of resenting. 2. The state of holding something in the mind as a subject of contemplation, or of being inclined to reflect upon something; a state of consciousness; conviction; feeling; impression. [Obs.] He retains vivid resentments of the more solid morality. --Dr. H. More. It is a greater wonder that so many of them die, with so little resentment of their danger. --Jer. Taylor. 3. In a good sense, satisfaction; gratitude. [Obs.] The Council taking notice of the many good services performed by Mr. John Milton, . . . have thought fit to declare their resentment and good acceptance of the same. --The Council Book (1651). 4. In a bad sense, strong displeasure; anger; hostility provoked by a wrong or injury experienced. Resentment . . . is a deep, reflective displeasure against the conduct of the offender. --Cogan. Syn: Anger; irritation; vexation; displeasure; grudge; indignation; choler; gall; ire; wrath; rage; fury. Usage: {Resentment}, {Anger}. Anger is the broader term, denoting a keen sense of disapprobation (usually with a desire to punish) for whatever we feel to be wrong, whether directed toward ourselves or others. Resentment is anger exicted by a sense of personal injury. It is, etymologically, that reaction of the mind which we instinctively feel when we think ourselves wronged. Pride and selfishness are apt to aggravate this feeling until it changes into a criminal animosity; and this is now the more common signification of the term. Being founded in a sense of injury, this feeling is hard to be removed; and hence the expressions bitter or implacable resentment. See {Anger}. Anger is like A full-hot horse, who being allowed his way, Self-mettle tires him. --Shak. Can heavently minds such high resentment show, Or exercise their spite in human woe? --Dryden.