public indignation; righteous anger as a citizen
Refers to anger felt by members of the public over a social or political issue, not personal anger. Often used in news or formal contexts.
Public indignation grew over the politician's gaffe.
Feeling righteous anger as a citizen, I joined the demonstration.
Compound of 公 (public) and 憤 (indignation). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word has been used in formal and political contexts since at least the Meiji era.