Anger
Anger is the emotion that expresses dislike or opposition toward a person or thing that is considered the cause of aversion. Psychologists consider anger a natural emotion needed for survival. Anger can bring forth behavioral improvements; however, uncontrolled anger can cause social and personal problems.
Psychologists divide anger into three categories. One type of anger is an instinctual reaction to being trapped or hurt. Another type is a reaction to the perception of being intentionally harmed or mistreated by others. The third type of anger, which includes irritability, reflects an individual's personal character traits.
Anger is sometimes displayed through sudden and overt aggressive acts. An uncontrollably angry individual is susceptible to losing the capacity for making sound judgment and acting responsibly. Extreme anger is obviously self-destructive, as is anger that is not expressed externally and kept within. Anger is often misused by individuals who act angry as a means to manipulate others.
Updated, sourced overview
The text above is preserved from the original listofhumanemotions.com article. The overview below adds current, sourced context.
Anger is a basic human emotion triggered by a perceived offense, injustice, or obstacle in someone's path. Psychologists recognize it as a natural response that evolved to help humans defend themselves and mobilize energy toward addressing threats or unfairness. In this sense, anger can serve important survival functions and motivate people to pursue constructive change in their circumstances or communities.
The intensity of anger varies widely, ranging from mild irritation to intense rage. It may arise when someone feels hurt, trapped, or mistreated, and it often reflects a person's underlying temperament or sensitivity to perceived wrongs. While anger itself is not inherently problematic, uncontrolled or chronic anger can harm relationships, physical health, and decision-making ability.
Psychological research has identified evidence-based strategies for working with anger productively. These include pausing before reacting to create space for reflection, reappraising the situation to see it from a wider perspective, and focusing on problem-solving rather than blame or retaliation. These approaches help individuals process and channel anger without suppressing it in ways that cause psychological harm.
Understanding anger as a legitimate emotion—rather than something to eliminate entirely—supports healthier responses to life's frustrations. By recognizing what triggered the anger and applying deliberate strategies, people can harness its energy toward meaningful resolution while protecting their wellbeing and relationships.
This page updates and expands an original listofhumanemotions.com article with current, sourced information.
Sources: Paul Ekman Group — Universal Emotions; American Psychological Association — Anger; American Psychological Association — APA Dictionary: emotion. Educational information only — not medical or psychological advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is anger?
Anger is the basic emotion aroused by a perceived offence, injustice, or obstacle. Psychologists consider it a natural emotion that can serve survival and motivate constructive change, but uncontrolled anger can damage relationships,…
What triggers anger?
Anger is typically triggered by perceived injustice, frustration, threat, being blocked.
How is anger expressed?
Anger is commonly shown through lowered brows, hard stare, tense jaw, clenched posture.
Is it one of the basic emotions?
Yes — anger is one of the six basic emotions identified by psychologist Paul Ekman (happiness, sadness, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise).
More basic emotions
Compare the emotions
See how this emotion compares with others on valence, triggers, and expression in our side-by-side table.
Compare emotions →