anxiety

[ ang-zahy-i-tee ]

noun

, plural anx·i·e·ties.

1. distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune:

   He felt anxiety about the possible loss of his job.

   Synonyms: disquiet, worry, foreboding, fear

   Antonyms: tranquility, serenity, certainty

2. earnest but tense desire; eagerness:

   He had a keen anxiety to succeed in his work.

3. Psychiatry. a state of apprehension and psychic tension occurring in some forms of mental disorder.

anxiety

/ æŋˈzaɪɪtɪ /

noun

1. a state of uneasiness or tension caused by apprehension of possible future misfortune, danger, etc; worry
2. intense desire; eagerness
3. psychol a state of intense apprehension or worry often accompanied by physical symptoms such as shaking, intense feelings in the gut, etc, common in mental illness or after a very distressing experience See also angst

anxiety

/ ăng-zī′ĭ-tē /

1. A state of apprehension and fear resulting from the anticipation of a threatening event or situation.
2. ◆ In psychiatry, a patient has an anxiety disorder ◆ if normal psychological functioning is disrupted or if anxiety persists without an identifiable cause.

anxiety

1. Emotional distress, especially that brought on by fear of failure. ( See also angst .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of anxiety¹

First recorded in 1515–25; from Latin anxietās, equivalent to anxi(us) anxious + -etās, variant of -itās before a vowel

Word History and Origins

Origin of anxiety¹

C16: from Latin anxietas; see anxious

Synonym Study

See apprehension.

Example Sentences

The findings could have implications for one day treating psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression.

From Science Daily

He was showing signs of fear, anxiety and stress and “is cautious and fearful around new people,” his staff notes stated.

From Los Angeles Times

At Sue's one-bedroom ground-floor flat in Worthing, West Sussex, she explained to me that it had once been her "sanctuary" but was now causing her severe anxiety.

From BBC

Grounded by Harden’s natural and loosely charming performance, Khalid treats his nightmare scenario with an alternating sense of anxiety and buoyant, joshing can-do attitude.

From New York Times

His mum says she lived with constant anxiety about when the phone would next ring because of another incident at school.

From BBC

Related Words

• angst
• apprehension
• concern
• disquiet
• doubt
• dread
• jitters
• misery
• misgiving
• mistrust
• nervousness
• panic
• restlessness
• suffering
• suspense
• trouble
• uncertainty
• unease
• uneasiness