Yes, I believe one can lash out because of fear. To work on it, I'd look at my triggers and work on disarming them. What happens/is said that makes you push someone away? That's not anger, that's fear (which is often at the bottom of anger). We get angry when we have lost or feel like we are going to lose something important to us. Threats, perceived or real, cause a fight or flight reaction and sometimes, if cornered, for me the "flight" can turn into fight. I don't like feeling helpless more than I dislike fighting/anger so when I'm afraid, after a bit I get too anxious that I'm going to be "stuck" helpless so I lash out; at myself, the circumstances, innocent bystanders. . . :-) Whatever gets me "moving" again towards resolving whatever the threat is.