pent-up anger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pent-up anger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe feelings of anger that have been suppressed or not expressed over time. Example: "After weeks of dealing with the stressful situation at work, she finally exploded with her pent-up anger during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Pent-up anger on the right.

The New York Times

"It was a pent-up anger, I think," he added.

The New York Times

"Pent-up anger at one another," Millie says.

The New York Times

I know there might be some pent-up anger.

The New Yorker

Medya had recurrent nightmares, while Beriwan and Dilovan were said to harbour pent-up anger.

The Guardian

We've got a lot of pent-up anger and bitterness and misunderstanding".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

But the protest was a response to pent up anger of young people who feel they are being jilted at every turn.

The Guardian

"It probably reflects their long pent up anger and resentment.

BBC

No wonder the whole country is so full of pent up anger.

Huffington Post

"There was a lot of pent up anger and frustration in the Democratic electorate".

Huffington Post

Sometimes their pent up anger and frustration exploded into huge labor uprisings.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the cause of "pent-up anger", provide specific details to create a more vivid and impactful image for the reader.

Common error

Don't simply state someone has "pent-up anger" without explaining its source or manifestation. Provide context to make the emotion relatable and understandable for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pent-up anger" functions as a noun phrase, where "pent-up" modifies the noun "anger". According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable. It describes anger that has been restrained or suppressed over a period of time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pent-up anger" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe suppressed or accumulated feelings of anger. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used and understood. Its primary function is to describe a state of emotional tension, often providing context for actions or events. While neutral in register, it frequently appears in news and media contexts, signifying its relevance in discussions about social and personal dynamics. Related phrases include "repressed anger" and "bottled-up rage", each offering subtle variations in meaning. When using "pent-up anger", it's important to provide specific details about its cause to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repressed anger

Focuses on the act of suppressing anger, implying a more deliberate holding back.

bottled-up rage

Uses a metaphor to convey the idea of anger being contained, suggesting a higher intensity.

simmering resentment

Highlights the long-lasting and slowly building nature of the negative emotion.

suppressed fury

Similar to repressed anger, but with a stronger emphasis on the intensity of the emotion.

accumulated frustration

Shifts the focus to frustration as the primary emotion, which can contribute to anger.

unvented frustration

Describes the state of frustration that has not been released or expressed.

unexpressed irritation

Highlights the lack of expression of irritation, a milder form of anger.

smoldering indignation

Conveys a sense of righteous anger that is slowly burning.

latent animosity

Indicates a hidden or undeveloped feeling of hostility.

stored-up aggression

Highlights the potential for outward expression of the contained anger.

FAQs

How can I use "pent-up anger" in a sentence?

"Pent-up anger" can be used to describe a state of suppressed frustration or rage. For example, "After years of mistreatment, his "pent-up anger" finally exploded."

What are some synonyms for "pent-up anger"?

Alternatives to "pent-up anger" include "repressed anger", "bottled-up rage", or "simmering resentment". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to express or suppress "pent-up anger"?

The healthiest approach is to manage and express anger constructively. Suppressing "pent-up anger" can lead to negative consequences for both mental and physical health.

What's the difference between "pent-up anger" and "resentment"?

"Pent-up anger" describes the state of having suppressed anger, while "resentment" often implies a lingering feeling of bitterness or indignation about something perceived as unfair.