anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of being nervous or worried, often as a result of fear of a possible future event. (noun)

An example of anxiety is the feeling you get before a test for which you have not studied.

Anxiety is an eager, strong desire. (noun)

An example of anxiety is how you might feel when wanting to succeed at a new job.

Anxiety can be a symptom of mental illness characterized by feelings of nervousness or distress without a noticeable cause. (noun)

An example of someone who may feel anxiety is a person suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

See anxiety in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. anxieties

a state of being uneasy, apprehensive, or worried about what may happen; concern about a possible future event
Psychiatry an abnormal state like this, characterized by a feeling of being powerless and unable to cope with threatening events, typically imaginary, and by physical tension, as shown by sweating, trembling, etc.
an eager but often uneasy desire: anxiety to do well

See anxiety in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(ăng-zīˈĭ-tē)

noun pl. anx·i·e·ties

a. A state of uneasiness and apprehension, as about future uncertainties.
b. A cause of anxiety: For some people, air travel is a real anxiety.
Psychiatry A state of apprehension, uncertainty, and fear resulting from the anticipation of a realistic or fantasized threatening event or situation, often impairing physical and psychological functioning.
Eager, often agitated desire: my anxiety to make a good impression.

Learn more about anxiety

» anxiety synonyms

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