angst

[ ahngkst, angst ]

noun

1. a feeling of dread, anxiety, or anguish.

angst

/ æŋst; aŋst /

noun

1. an acute but nonspecific sense of anxiety or remorse
2. (in Existentialist philosophy) the dread caused by man's awareness that his future is not determined but must be freely chosen

angst

1. A kind of fear or anxiety ; Angst is German for “fear.” It is usually applied to a deep and essentially philosophical anxiety about the world in general or personal freedom. ( See existentialism .)

Other Words From

• angsty adjective angstier angstiest

Word History and Origins

Origin of angst¹

First recorded in 1840–50; from German Angst “fear, anxiety,” Old High German angust (cognate with Middle Low German angest, Middle Dutch anxt ), from ang- (akin to eng “narrow, constricted”) + -st, abstract noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of angst¹

German

Example Sentences

The collective angst has so far not resulted in a massive protest and, as the Supreme Court once observed, politicians just “pass the buck” and wait for the season to get over.

From BBC

But 2024’s results will provide plenty of fuel for Democratic angst in the days to come.

From BBC

Her angst is often aimed at service workers and people of color.

From Los Angeles Times

He double-tracked Gore's voice, adding little flourishes of brass and unexpected chord changes that perfectly evoke the song's adolescent angst.

From BBC

Originally formed in Crawley, West Sussex in 1978, The Cure continue to endure as alternative rock’s goth icons - pitching lyrics of love, angst and desolation against a kaleidoscope of melodies.

From BBC

Related Words

• agony
• apprehension
• dread
• misgiving
• nervousness
• uneasiness