anxiety

anx·i·ety

noun \aŋ-ˈzī-ə-tē\

plural anx·i·eties

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

Examples of ANXIETY

1. feelings of anger and anxiety
2. She suffers from chronic anxiety.
3. He's been feeling a lot of anxiety about his new job.

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

Related Words

strain, stress, tension; alarm (also alarum), anguish, consternation, desperateness, desperation, discomfort, discomposure, dismay, distraction, distress, disturbance, edginess, franticness, hand-wringing, jitters, jumpiness, panic, tremor; angst, fearfulness, torment, upset, vexation; cold feet, doubt, dread, foreboding, incertitude, misgiving, presentiment, suspense, uncertainty; compunction, qualm, scruple

Near Antonyms

calm, calmness, content, contentment, ease, easiness, peace, peacefulness, placidity, placidness, quiet, quietude, sereneness, serenity, tranquillity (or tranquility), tranquilness; comfort, consolation, relief, solace

See Synonym Discussion at care

Other Psychology Terms

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

Rhymes with ANXIETY

impiety, nimiety, propriety, sobriety, society, variety

anx·i·ety

noun \aŋ-ˈzī-ət-ē\   (Medical Dictionary)

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

anxiety

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In psychology, a feeling of dread, fear, or apprehension, often with no clear justification. Anxiety differs from true fear in that it is typically the product of subjective, internal emotional states rather than a response to a clear and actual danger. It is marked by physiological signs such as sweating, tension, and increased pulse, by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the perceived threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it. Some anxiety inevitably arises in the course of daily life and is normal; but persistent, intense, chronic, or recurring anxiety not justified by real-life stresses is usually regarded as a sign of an emotional disorder. See also stress.