First Known Use: circa 1525
Dictionary
anxiety
noun anx·i·ety \aŋ-ˈzī-ə-tē\
: fear or nervousness about what might happen
: a feeling of wanting to do something very much
plural anx·i·eties
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
See anxiety defined for English-language learners
See anxiety defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ANXIETY
Latin anxietas, from anxius
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
ANXIETY Defined for Kids
anxiety
noun anx·i·ety \aŋ-ˈzī-ə-tē\
plural anx·i·eties
Definition of ANXIETY for Kids
: fear or nervousness about what might happen <Tests cause many people anxiety.>
Medical Dictionary
anxiety
noun anx·i·ety \aŋ-ˈzī-ət-ē\
plural anx·i·eties
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
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: anxiety attackPrevious Word in the Dictionary: anvil cloudAll Words Near: anxiety
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up anxiety? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).