inexplicable anger; fit of rage
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesnoun
inexplicable anger; unprovoked rage; fit of anger
neutralCommonly used in expressions like '无名火起' (to fly into a rage) or '一股无名火' (a surge of anger). Originally derived from the Buddhist term '无明火' (fire of ignorance/avidya). In modern usage, it describes sudden anger without apparent cause, often implying irrationality.
He was seized by a fit of inexplicable anger and smashed the cup to pieces.
Seeing his indifferent expression, I suddenly felt a surge of unprovoked rage.
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Can you stop venting your inexplicable anger for no reason?
noun
(Buddhism) the fire of ignorance; mental defilement arising from avidya
technicalThe form '无明火' is more commonly used in this technical Buddhist context. In Buddhist philosophy, '无明' (avidya) represents fundamental ignorance of reality, and the 'fire' symbolizes the passionate afflictions that consume the mind. This original meaning has evolved into the modern colloquial usage meaning inexplicable anger.
Buddhism teaches that the fire of ignorance is the root of suffering and must be extinguished by the water of wisdom.