Dudgeon

Dudgeon signifies a state of sullen anger, resentment, or ill humor. It's often characterized by a quiet but deep-seated sense of being wronged or offended, leading to a withdrawal or sulky demeanor. The word implies a lasting bitterness, a refusal to be appeased easily. It encompasses a feeling of indignation and pique, typically arising from perceived insult, injustice, or disappointment. Those in dudgeon may become withdrawn and uncommunicative, expressing their displeasure through silence or subtle displays of annoyance. The root emotion remains resentment, brewing underneath the surface, leading to negativity.

Dudgeon meaning with examples

• After being overlooked for the promotion, he retreated into a state of dudgeon, refusing to speak to his colleagues for days. His simmering resentment was palpable, casting a pall over the office environment. He would respond with terse comments, radiating his feelings.
• The children, after being punished, sat in quiet dudgeon, their faces clouded with hurt and disapproval. Refusing to engage in any activity, they became silent and remote in a visible show of their inner feelings. This showed the level of disrespect to authority they were feeling.
• The critic, upon reading the novel's ending, was consumed by dudgeon, declaring the author's writing to be a profound disappointment. He left the rest of the book unread, finding a level of anger that was hard to control. He felt cheated of his time and expectations.
• She nursed her dudgeon for weeks after her friend betrayed her confidence, stubbornly refusing to forgive or forget the slight. It was clear from her lack of communication that the hurt and anger continued to fester. Each day created more feelings of resentment.