anxiety

Anxiety is defined as 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.

The definition of 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

Origin: L anxietas < anxius, anxious

See anxiety in American Heritage Dictionary 4

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.

Origin:

Origin: Latin ānxietās

Origin: , from ānxius, anxious; see anxious

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