trepidation

[ trep-i-dey-shuhn ]

noun

1. tremulous fear, alarm, or agitation; perturbation.

   Synonyms: disquiet, apprehension, panic, alarm, fright, fear, dread, anxiety

2. Archaic. trembling or quivering movement; tremor.

trepidation

/ ˌtrɛpɪˈdeɪʃən /

noun

1. a state of fear or anxiety
2. a condition of quaking or palpitation, esp one caused by anxiety

Other Words From

• trep·i·da·tious adjective
• trep·i·da·tious·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of trepidation¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin trepidātiōn- (stem of trepidātiō ), equivalent to trepidāt(us) (past participle of trepidāre “to hurry, panic, alarm” + -iōn- noun suffix; trepid, -ate ¹, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of trepidation¹

C17: from Latin trepidātiō , from trepidāre to be in a state of alarm; compare intrepid

Related Words

• alarm
• apprehension
• consternation
• dismay
• disquiet
• dread
• excitement
• fright
• horror
• jitters
• nervousness
• panic
• terror
• uneasiness