Anxiety | Definition of anxiety by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of ANXIETY

1

a : painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill

b : fearful concern or interest

c : a cause of anxiety

2

: an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it

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Origin of ANXIETY

Latin anxietas, from anxius

First Known Use: circa 1525

Related to ANXIETY

Synonyms: agita, agitation, anxiousness, apprehension, apprehensiveness, care, concern, concernment, disquiet, disquietude, fear, nervosity, nervousness, perturbation, solicitude, sweat, unease, uneasiness, worry

Antonyms: unconcern

Synonym Discussion of ANXIETY

care, concern, solicitude, anxiety, worry mean a troubled or engrossed state of mind or the thing that causes this. care implies oppression of the mind weighed down by responsibility or disquieted by apprehension <a face worn by years of care>. concern implies a troubled state of mind because of personal interest, relation, or affection <crimes caused concern in the neighborhood>. solicitude implies great concern and connotes either thoughtful or hovering attentiveness toward another <acted with typical maternal solicitude>. anxiety stresses anguished uncertainty or fear of misfortune or failure <plagued by anxiety and self-doubt>. worry suggests fretting over matters that may or may not be real cause for anxiety <financial worries>.

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

Rhymes with ANXIETY

impiety, nimiety, propriety, sobriety, society, variety

Definition of ANXIETY for Kids

: fear or nervousness about what might happen <Tests cause many people anxiety.>

Medical Definition of ANXIETY

1

a : a painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill b : a cause of anxiety

2

: an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it

Learn More About ANXIETY

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "anxiety"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "anxiety"

Nglish: Translation of "anxiety" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "anxiety" for Arabic speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "anxiety"

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