Differences between rage and anger

What are the differences between rage and anger? We can say that rage and anger are two forms of aggressive emotional response; These are similar concepts but with important differences. Are forms of emotional response They are triggered by multiple causes, usually by situations or people that generate a feeling of frustration, disgust, pain or a feeling of threat.

As we will see, feeling anger is not the same as feeling rage, or expressing anger is not the same as expressing rage. Broadly speaking, we could say that rage is the expression of anger, a much deeper and sometimes also more harmful emotion.

Rage and anger: what are they?

The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) defines rage as ‘anger, anger, great anger’. In the case of anger, it defines it as a ‘feeling of indignation that causes anger’, or as ‘appetite or desire for revenge’.

Thus, reading these definitions we can think that they are similar concepts, and in a certain way, they are, but they also entail differences.

The differences between rage and anger

What differences do we find between these concepts? The first difference between rage and anger has to do with their definition.

Thus, while anger is an emotion, which is born as a result of being upset or irritated by something, we can say that rage is a violent and uncontrollable anger, which is often accompanied by violent physical actions. Let’s see more of these differences:

Concept

When we talk about anger we refer to a feeling of disgust and belligerence that is born from a certain evil. Instead, rage is the ultimate manifestation of extreme anger. It is his expression.

Nature

Another difference between rage and anger is their nature. Anger, as we have seen, is a “negative” emotion; On the other hand, rage is an uncontrollable or violent phase of extreme anger.

Expression

Anger has different levels or degrees, and it may or may not be manifested externally. On the other hand, rage is the ultimate manifestation of anger, which wells up within the person. Anger usually manifests itself externallyand it is very difficult to suppress.

Period

While anger can last a long time (since it can be hidden), rage appears when anger becomes uncontrolled and turns into a violent act. That is, your expression can be shorter.

Normally, violent or hostile behavior is manifested through anger.

Intensity

According to Sijam Ismael, psychologist and lecturer, another difference between rage and anger is that Anger is a stronger, more intense and uncontrollable emotional response..

For his part, Franz Siles, psychiatrist, states that anger is an emotion “that appears unexpectedly and is short-lived. It is the maximum expression of aggressiveness.”

Body manifestation

Anger manifests itself in the body in multiple ways. We can feel anger and feel tension, agitation… and rage. Thus, anger is one of its expressions (but not the only one).

Instead, rage itself manifests itself through the nervous and hormonal system. Our entire body is mobilized into action, preparing for a possible threat.

Feeling rage is not the same as anger.

Anger is an emotion that comes from deep within, and that appears when some situation disturbs us emotionally, angers us, outrages us or harms us. Anger, like any other emotion, is legaland very understandable in some cases.

That is why, when we talk about emotions, it is not so much about “positive or negative” emotions, but rather emotions that fulfill a certain function. It is normal, for example, to feel anger when we see injustices. What happen? That this lack of control of anger, that manifested anger is expressed through rage.

How we express rage or anger

When someone feels angry, they can express it in multiple ways: through shouting, crying, insults, violent or hostile attitudes… The degree of manifestation or intensity can vary greatly.

But normally, anger comes to the surface, it manifests itself, something that does not have to happen with anger. Thus, in the case of anger, it can be repressed, which means that the effects of this repression can be very harmful over time. Anger, for its part, manifests itself in very different ways: with deep sadness, discomfort, suffering, anger… In short; Anger is a human emotion, while the reaction to that emotion (or its expression) is rage. Thus, many times rage is the visible face of anger (the latter being much easier to hide).

Learning to manage anger is not easy, because anger is a common feeling and we are not taught how to do it. However, with the right help, it is possible!

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