indignation

Indignation is a feeling of anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair, unjust, or offensive, especially when it involves a violation of moral norms. It is often described as a moral emotion because it combines affect with a judgment about right and wrong. The term derives from Latin indignus, meaning unworthy, and entered English with a sense that emphasizes moral outrage over perceived transgressions.

Indignation arises when norms are violated, when individuals feel they or others have been treated unfairly, or when groups are subjected to hypocrisy, exploitation, or discrimination. It is commonly linked to judgments about justice, equity, and propriety, and can be triggered by acts of corruption, deceit, or infringement of social norms.

Psychologists frame indignation within appraisal theories of emotion, where norm violations trigger moral judgments and arousal, leading to vocal expressions, gestures, or calls for accountability. The emotion can motivate action, including protest, advocacy, or public condemnation, and can serve to deter future wrongdoing by signaling social disapproval.

In public discourse, indignation can be constructive, highlighting issues and promoting reform, but it can also be performative or polarizing, particularly on social media, where outrage may overshadow nuance. Related terms include righteous indignation and moral outrage; it is distinct from anger lacking moral framing. Cultural and individual factors influence what triggers indignation and how it is expressed.