Indignation, n.
Etymology: [F. indignation, L. indignatio. See Indign.]
1. The feeling excited by that which is unworthy, base, or disgraceful; anger mingled with contempt, disgust, or abhorrence. Shak. Indignation expresses a strong and elevated disapprobation of mind, which is also inspired by something flagitious in the conduct of another. Cogan. When Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. Esther v. 9.
2. The effect of anger; punishment. Shak. Hide thyself . . . until the indignation be overpast. Is. xxvi. 20.
Syn. -- Anger; ire wrath; fury; rage. See Anger.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for indignation; he lists it under anger.
Where he writes about it:
Indignation is impersonal and unselfish displeasure at unworthy acts (L. indigna), i. e., at wrong as wrong. — from anger
Pure indignation is not followed by regret, and needs no repentance; it is also more self-controlled than anger. — from anger
Anger is commonly a sin; indignation is often a duty. — from anger
Wrath is deep and perhaps vengeful displeasure, as when the people of Nazareth were "filled with wrath" at the plain words of Jesus (Luke iv, 28); it may, however, simply express the culmination of righteous indignation without malice in a pure being; as, the wrath of God. — from anger