enrage
UK[ɪnˈreɪdʒ]US[ɪnˈreɪdʒ]
v
to make someone very angry
Morpheme Breakdown
en
rage
en
cause to be
rage
anger
Etymology
the word 'enrage' is a compound formed from the french prefix 'en-' and the noun 'rage'. the prefix 'en-', derived from latin 'in-', functions as a causative verb former, meaning 'to put into a state of'. the root 'rage' originates from latin 'rabies', which denoted madness or fury. thus, the literal construction 'to put into rage' directly and logically yields the modern verb meaning 'to make someone very angry'. the word entered english in the late 15th century, preserving this transparent semantic link from its french and latin components.
Analysis
Structure: en (cause to be) + rage (anger)
en (from old french, from latin 'in-', a prefix meaning 'in, into, cause to be'); rage (from old french 'rage', from latin 'rabies' meaning 'madness, rage', a noun denoting violent anger).
Examples
his condescending remarks were enough to enrage anyone in the room.
the unfair decision by the referee began to enrage the team's supporters.
she was careful not to enrage her already stressed boss with more bad news.