ANGER

Definition of ANGER

ANGER Noun

Anger is a noun that refers to a strong and intense emotional response typically triggered by a perceived threat, injustice, frustration, or provocation. It is one of the basic human emotions and can manifest as a range of feelings from mild irritation to intense rage. Here are several definitions highlighting different aspects of anger:

Strong Emotion: Anger is a powerful and often intense emotional state characterized by feelings of displeasure, hostility, and a strong desire to retaliate or confront what is perceived as a threat or wrongdoing.

Response to Provocation: It is a natural response to situations that are perceived as unfair, unjust, or frustrating, where individuals may experience a surge of energy, increased heart rate, and a readiness for action.

Protective Response: From an evolutionary perspective, anger is considered a protective response, mobilizing individuals to defend themselves or their interests in the face of perceived danger or harm.

Expression of Displeasure: Anger is often expressed through various behaviors, including verbal outbursts, physical aggression, or non-violent but assertive communication, as individuals attempt to communicate their displeasure and seek resolution.

Secondary Emotion: Anger can also be a secondary emotion, masking or arising from underlying feelings such as hurt, fear, or frustration. It may serve as a defense mechanism to cover more vulnerable emotions.

It’s important to note that while anger is a common and normal emotion, its expression and management vary among individuals. Effectively dealing with anger involves recognizing and understanding it, as well as finding constructive ways to address the underlying issues.

Examples of ANGER in a sentence

  • His sudden outburst of anger surprised everyone in the room.
  • She struggled to control her rising anger as the argument escalated.
  • Anger management techniques can help individuals cope with intense emotions in healthy ways.
  • The politician’s inflammatory remarks ignited anger among voters.
  • He felt a surge of anger when he discovered the betrayal by his closest friend.
  • Anger can sometimes cloud judgment and lead to regrettable actions.
  • The therapist encouraged him to express his anger constructively rather than bottling it up.
  • The unresolved anger from past traumas affected her relationships with others.

Origin of ANGER

The term anger has ancient roots, tracing back through Old Norse and Old High German to Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European languages, reflecting its enduring presence in human emotions and experiences.

  • Proto-Indo-European Origins: The word anger finds its origins in Proto-Indo-European, the hypothetical ancestral language of the Indo-European language family. In this ancient language, the root “angh-” or “ang-” denoted tightness, constricting pain, or suffocation, serving as the basis for words related to distress or agitation.
  • Proto-Germanic Development: From Proto-Indo-European, the root “angh-” evolved into the Proto-Germanic “angus,” meaning narrowness or oppression. This root later developed into Old Norse “angr” and Old High German “angust,” both conveying the sense of distress, sorrow, or grief.
  • Old English Transition: In Old English, the Proto-Germanic term “angus” transformed into “ang,” retaining its fundamental meaning of distress or affliction. Over time, “ang” came to specifically denote the emotion of anger or wrath, encompassing feelings of irritation, hostility, or resentment.
  • Middle English and Modern Usage: The term anger continued to evolve through Middle English, maintaining its association with intense displeasure or fury. In modern English, anger encompasses a range of emotions characterized by strong feelings of displeasure, resentment, or indignation, often arising in response to perceived provocation or injustice.

Through its linguistic evolution from Proto-Indo-European to modern English, the term anger reflects the enduring human experience of intense emotional distress and serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between language, culture, and the expression of emotions.

Synonyms

  • Irritation
  • Indignation
  • Fury
  • Outrage
  • Enrage
  • Vexation
  • Rage
  • Hostility

Antonyms

  • Calmness
  • Serenity
  • Tranquility
  • Pacifism
  • Forgiveness
  • Tolerance
  • Amicability
  • Composure

Related

  • Frustration
  • Displeasure
  • Discontent
  • Annoyance
  • Irate
  • Provocation
  • Conflict
  • Anguish

🌐 🇬🇧 ANGER in other languages

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