nervous

[ nur-vuhs ]

adjective

1. highly excitable; unnaturally or acutely uneasy or apprehensive:

   to become nervous under stress.

   Synonyms: timorous, timid, tense, neurotic, anxious

   Antonyms: bold, confident

2. of or relating to the nerves:

   nervous tension.

3. affecting the nerves:

   nervous diseases.

4. experiencing, characterized by, or originating in a nervous system disorder.
5. characterized by or attended with acute uneasiness or apprehension:

   a nervous moment for us all.

6. having or containing nerves.
7. sinewy or strong.
8. Archaic. vigorous or spirited.

nervous

/ ˈnɜːvəs /

adjective

1. very excitable or sensitive; highly strung
2. often foll by of apprehensive or worried

   I'm nervous of traffic

3. of, relating to, or containing nerves; neural

   nervous tissue

4. affecting the nerves or nervous tissue

   a nervous disease

5. archaic.
   active, vigorous, or forceful

Derived Forms

• ˈnervousness, noun
• ˈnervously, adverb

Other Words From

• nerv·ous·ly adverb
• nerv·ous·ness noun
• non·ner·vous adjective
• non·ner·vous·ly adverb
• o·ver·nerv·ous adjective
• o·ver·nerv·ous·ly adverb
• sem·i·nerv·ous adjective
• sem·i·nerv·ous·ly adverb
• un·nerv·ous adjective
• un·nerv·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of nervous¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin nervōsus “sinewy,” equivalent to nerv(us) nerve + -ōsus -ous

Example Sentences

Bob looked at me and said he was really nervous to meet the President, who was Clinton.

From Salon

When it comes to the next President, there is nervous pause while Trump's plan remains unclear.

From BBC

They developed the e-Drive to target a gene known as the voltage gated sodium ion channel, or vgsc, which is required for proper nervous system functioning.

From Science Daily

Additionally, they affect the central nervous system, often leading to fatigue and drowsiness, which impairs the quality of life of those affected.

From Science Daily

By engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, the team observed that inflammation could be eased by inhibiting SUMOylation, a cellular process that shapes immune response.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• afraid
• agitated
• annoyed
• apprehensive
• concerned
• edgy
• fussy
• hesitant
• hysterical
• irritable
• jittery
• jumpy
• shaky
• shy
• skittish
• spooked
• tense
• timid
• uneasy
• uptight