anger (English)
Where does "anger" come from?
The word 'anger' originates from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂enǵʰ-, meaning to 'constrict' or 'tighten.' It evolved into the Proto-Germanic *angazaz and Old Norse 'angr,' initially describing feelings of deep distress, sorrow, or physical choking. Over time, the meaning shifted from a sense of internal constriction and affliction to the outward expression of hostility and displeasure we recognize in English today.
Full etymology tree
- anger (English), 'A strong and unpleasant feeling of displeasure, hostility, or antagonism, usually combined with an urge to yell, curse, damage or destroy things, or harm living beings, often stemming from perceived provocation, hurt, threat, insults, unfair or unjust treatment, or an undesired situation.'
- inherited anger (Middle English), 'Grief, painfulness, or discomfort; a feeling of pain or sadness.'
- borrowed angr (Old Norse), 'sorrow, resentment, distress'
- inherited *angazaz (Proto-Germanic), 'worry, grief, anxiety'
- derived *h₂enǵʰ- (Proto-Indo-European), 'to constrict, tighten, compress'
- inherited *angazaz (Proto-Germanic), 'worry, grief, anxiety'
- borrowed angr (Old Norse), 'sorrow, resentment, distress'
- inherited anger (Middle English), 'Grief, painfulness, or discomfort; a feeling of pain or sadness.'
Direct ancestors
- h₂enǵʰ- (Proto-Indo-European)
- anger (Middle English)
- angr (Old Norse)
- angazaz (Proto-Germanic)
- h₂enǵʰ- (Proto-Indo-European)
- angren (Middle English)
- angra (Old Norse)
- ang (Old Norse)
Updated June 2026
Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris