Indignation
Anger specifically about a perceived moral violation — a fairness or rule breach — which is why it can be felt on someone else's behalf, unlike Irritation.
How it shows up
Indignation rises when a rule of fairness seems broken: someone cuts in line, a colleague takes credit, a vulnerable person is mistreated. It often brings a sense of righteousness and an urge to speak out or correct the wrong. It can fuel advocacy and social change. Because it is about principles rather than personal injury, people often feel it on behalf of strangers, which separates it from simple irritation.
How it differs from Irritation
Irritation responds to minor friction; indignation responds to a perceived moral violation and can be felt on someone else's behalf.
Notice
When indignation flares, notice which principle feels violated, and who you feel it on behalf of.
Where it is felt
Felt most in the chest, head and face.
Based on Nummenmaa et al. (2014), bodily maps of emotions, and related research. The map shows where people report bodily sensation, on average; individual experience varies.