Rejection

The sting of being turned away or unwanted.

Family Social
Valence strongly negative
Arousal moderate activation
Intensity Moderate
Opposite Acceptance

The sting of being turned away or unwanted. The body holds this signal first, often before the mind has named what is happening.

Where rejection lives in the body

Chest
Tightness or warmth
Moderate
Stomach
A sinking pull or knot
Moderate
Face
Slight warmth
Quiet

Related emotions

LonelinessSadness familyShameSelf-conscious familyHeartbreakSadness familyAcceptanceThe opposite
A note on this entry: The data on this page (definition, body sensations, valence, arousal, related emotions) reflects a structured reference for rejection. A full long-form entry is being added gradually. If you have research, a translation, or a body-mapping correction to suggest, please get in touch.