anger

[ ang-ger ]

noun

1. a strong feeling of displeasure and belligerence aroused by a wrong; wrath; ire.

   Synonyms: spleen, bile, choler, exasperation, resentment

2. Chiefly British Dialect. pain or smart, as of a sore.
3. Obsolete. grief; trouble.

verb (used with object)

1. to arouse anger or wrath in.

   Synonyms: madden, incense, enrage, infuriate, exasperate, irritate, vex, displease

2. Chiefly British Dialect. to cause to smart; inflame.

verb (used without object)

1. to become angry:

   He angers with little provocation.

anger

/ ˈæŋɡə /

noun

1. a feeling of great annoyance or antagonism as the result of some real or supposed grievance; rage; wrath

verb

1. tr to make angry; enrage

Other Words From

• anger·less adjective
• un·angered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of anger¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English, from Scandinavian; compare Old Norse angr “sorrow, grief,” akin to Old High German angust ( German Angst “fear”), Latin angor “anguish”

Word History and Origins

Origin of anger¹

C12: from Old Norse angr grief; related to Old English enge, Old High German engi narrow, Latin angere to strangle

Idioms and Phrases

see more in sorrow than in anger .

Synonym Study

Anger, fury, indignation, rage imply deep and strong feelings aroused by injury, injustice, wrong, etc. Anger is the general term for a sudden violent displeasure: a burst of anger. Indignation implies deep and justified anger: indignation at cruelty or against corruption. Rage is vehement anger: rage at being frustrated. Fury is rage so great that it resembles insanity: the fury of an outraged lover.

Example Sentences

Clayman also says having some non-spending ways of coping with stress, anger or frustration in place can help you avoid doom spending.

From Salon

Amid the anger and sarcasm, Jaguar has doubled down on its decision, replying to some posts with phrases such as "To live is to evolve".

From BBC

Critics have pointed out that the competing poll promises would mean the new government would face a serious fiscal challenge in delivering them, or risk facing voters’ anger.

From BBC

There was anger about the government's modelling, anger about the impact on family farming, and anger about a Labour government they don't feel understands rural life.

From BBC

She said Jeff's anger at the child spiralled when Isabella had accidents while potty training.

From BBC

Related Words

• acrimony
• animosity
• annoyance
• antagonism
• displeasure
• enmity
• exasperation
• fury
• hatred
• impatience
• indignation
• ire
• irritation
• outrage
• passion
• rage
• resentment
• temper
• violence

More About Anger

What does anger mean?

Anger is a human emotion that involves intense displeasure and aggression as a response to an aggravating event, as in My mother was filled with anger after she found out that I had snuck out to the party.

The word anger is also used to mean to make someone feel anger or to begin to feel anger oneself, as in That grouchy old man next door angers easily. Anger also refers to making someone else feel anger, as in The disrespect shown by the new recruit angered the drill instructor.

Anger is a strong human emotion, and you’ve likely experienced anger in your own life. If you have ever felt your heart pumping strongly and wanted to scream or punch a wall, you’ve felt anger. You might feel anger when someone insults you, takes something from you, hurts one of your loved ones, or does something that you really don’t like. Feeling anger is completely normal, although how you respond to anger can make a big difference.

Angry is used to describe feeling anger, as in I try to avoid angry dogs.

Example: The silly jester was an expert at calming the king’s anger.

Where does anger come from?

The first records of anger come from around 1150. It ultimately comes from the Old Norse word angr, meaning “grief or sorrow.” It is related to the Old English enge, which comes from the Latin verb angere, meaning “to strangle.”

While anger may cause you to want to strangle someone, most people are able to control their anger in other, healthy ways. Usually, experts recommend that you try to calm yourself or to channel your anger into something productive, like journaling or taking a walk. Sometimes, a person just needs to release their anger by shouting, cursing, or punching a pillow. It is almost always a bad idea to suppress, that is holding in and ignoring, your anger because doing so can lead to anxiety, stress, or violent outbursts.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to anger?

• angerless (adjective)
• unangered (adjective)

What are some synonyms for anger?

• fury
• rage
• embitter
• inflame

What are some words that share a root or word element with anger? 

• angry
• angrily
• anger management

What are some words that often get used in discussing anger?

• violence
• hate
• yell
• shout

How is anger used in real life?

Anger is a common word used to describe a common emotion. Social media often causes people to feel anger.

Anger can make us do idiotic things. It provides momentary justification for things we'll regret permanently.

— Leke Alder (@LekeAlder) November 30, 2020

That game has angered me because a smart coach would’ve won that game

— John Gunther (@TheJohnGunther) December 2, 2020

Trying to write at B&N. There's a lady beside me having a very loud conference call. I'd ask her to stop, but based in the conversation, it seems she angers easily… Oh, fun, she's singing show tunes now… Y'all.

— Kiera Cass (@kieracass) March 29, 2019

Try using anger!

Is anger used correctly in the following sentence?

The protesters yelled about the law that caused their anger.