angry

Angry is the state or quality of feeling anger, a basic negative affect associated with antagonism toward perceived harm or obstruction of goals. Anger varies from mild irritation to intense fury. It is a universal emotion observed across cultures and many species, and it can motivate corrective action or boundary-setting, but when uncontrolled it can harm relationships and well-being.

Causes and appraisal: Anger arises when a person perceives injustice, threat, or blocked goals. Cognitive appraisal—whether one has been wronged or disrespected—shapes the experience. Anger is distinct from aggression; anger is the internal feeling, while aggression is outward behavior that may follow it. People can experience state anger in a moment or trait anger as a habitual tendency.

Physiology and expression: The emotion activates the body’s stress response, with increased heart rate and arousal. Facial expressions, tone of voice, and posture often convey anger. Regulation strategies include cognitive reappraisal, relaxation, problem-solving, and seeking support. Effective management lowers the risk of harm and promotes constructive outcomes; chronic anger associates with health and relationship problems.

Social and cultural context: Cultural norms, gender roles, and situational display rules influence how anger is expressed or suppressed. Some contexts tolerate or valorize assertive anger; others discourage it. Anger management and therapy aim to reduce harmful expressions and improve regulation, communication, and conflict resolution.

Measurement and research: Researchers distinguish state anger from trait anger and study anger expression styles. Common assessment tools include self-report scales and behavioral tasks. Neurobiological studies implicate brain regions such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex in the generation and regulation of anger.