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ressentiment

noun
res·​sen·​ti·​ment | \ rə-ˌsäⁿ-tē-ˈmäⁿ How to pronounce ressentiment (audio) \

Definition of ressentiment

: deep-seated resentment, frustration, and hostility accompanied by a sense of being powerless to express these feelings directly

Examples of ressentiment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 This weaponizing of ressentiment — a term borrowed from German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, capturing the deep grievance produced by feelings of both envy and humiliation — is possibly the defining theme in global politics right now. — Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, "What the world’s nationalists can learn from Turkey and Erdogan," 26 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ressentiment.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of ressentiment

1941, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for ressentiment

French, resentment, from ressentir to resent, from Middle French resentir — more at resent

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More Definitions for ressentiment

ressentiment

noun
res·​sen·​ti·​ment | \ rə-säⁿ-tē-ˈmäⁿ How to pronounce ressentiment (audio) \

Medical Definition of ressentiment

: deep-seated resentment, frustration, and hostility accompanied by a sense of being powerless to express these feelings directly

More from Merriam-Webster on ressentiment

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with ressentiment

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