bolt

Anger

Universal4 Action Unitsbilateralvariable duration

Eyebrows are lowered and pulled together, eyes have a hard stare, and lips are pressed firmly together or tightened.

FACS Breakdown

arrow_downward
AU 4Brow Lowerer

Creates frown lines between brows, associated with concentration or anger

eyebrowseasy difficultyVoluntary
Muscle: Corrugator supercilii, Depressor supercilii
radio_button_checked
AU 5Upper Lid Raiser

Widens eye appearance, shows more of the eyeball

eyeseasy difficultyVoluntary
Muscle: Levator palpebrae superioris
radio_button_checked
AU 7Lid Tightener

Creates tension around eyes, often seen in anger or concentration

eyesmoderate difficultyVoluntary
Muscle: Orbicularis oculi, pars palpebralis
remove
AU 23Lip Tightener

Presses lips together firmly, associated with anger

moutheasy difficultyVoluntary
Muscle: Orbicularis oris

△ Practice Tip

Feel the tension across your brow (AU 4) and in your jaw. This is a focused, high-tension expression.

Common Confusion: Anger vs. Disgust

Both are negative expressions but anger is characterized by AU 4 and AU 23, while disgust centers on AU 9.

Brow Movement
Lowered and drawn together (AU 4)
May be slightly lowered but not the focus
Nose
Not typically involved
Nose wrinkler is central (AU 9)
Lip Position
Pressed together tightly (AU 23)
Upper lip raised (AU 9 contribution)
DISTINGUISHING ACTION UNITS
AU 9AU 23

Quick Stats

TypeUniversal
Symmetrybilateral
Durationvariable
Action Units4

AU Summary

AU 4AU 5AU 7AU 23

Similar Expressions

mood_badFear
25%
sentiment_dissatisfiedSadness
17%
circleSurprise
14%
sentiment_satisfiedHappiness
0%
Back to Explorer

All Expressions

sentiment_satisfied Happinesssentiment_dissatisfied Sadnessbolt Angermood_bad Fearcircle Surpriseclose Disgustexpand_more Contemptchange_history Prideexpand_less Shame & Embarrassment