〜を禁じ得ない
Formation
Meaning
Indicates that one cannot control or suppress a strong emotion that arises naturally in response to a situation.
Note
A formal, literary expression. It is almost exclusively used with nouns representing strong, spontaneous emotions like '怒り' (anger), '驚き' (surprise), '涙' (tears/sadness), or '同情' (sympathy). Not used in casual conversation.
Examples
彼の身勝手な振る舞いに、怒りを禁じ得ない。
I cannot help but feel anger at his selfish behavior.
その悲惨なニュースを聞いて、涙を禁じ得ない。
Hearing that tragic news, I couldn't hold back my tears.
事件の真相を知って、驚きを禁じ得ない。
Knowing the truth of the incident, I cannot suppress my surprise.
彼女の素晴らしい演奏に、感嘆を禁じ得ない。
I cannot help but be moved by her wonderful performance.
長年連れ添った愛犬との別れに、寂しさを禁じ得ない。
I cannot help but feel lonely after parting with the dog I've been with for many years.
あまりにも残酷な運命に、同情を禁じ得ない。
I cannot help but feel sympathy for such a cruel fate.