Indignation
Etymology
From Latin "indignari," “to regard as unworthy,” from "in-" (not) + "dignus" (worthy) — the root of "dignity." Indignation is anger with a built-in judgment: it declares that something is beneath what is deserved. The dignity in the root is the standard being violated.
noun · /in-dig-NAY-shun/
Anger aroused by something perceived as unjust, unworthy, or mean.
What it names
Use it for moral anger — the flare on behalf of fairness or dignity, yours or someone else’s, rather than mere personal irritation.
Example
A wave of indignation went through the room when the manager blamed the interns for his own error.
Related idea
Against plain anger: anger can be selfish, petty, or arbitrary; indignation always claims a moral warrant (“this is unjust”). That claim is also its risk — “righteous indignation” can be genuine moral courage or self-flattering outrage, and the feeling itself won’t tell you which.
See also