nerve

²nerve

verb

nervednerv·ing

Definition of NERVE

transitive verb

: to give strength or courage to : supply with physical or moral force

Examples of NERVE

1. <needs to nerve himself for the big game tomorrow>

First Known Use of NERVE

circa 1749

Related to NERVE

Synonyms: brace, forearm, fortify, poise, psych (up), ready, steel, strengthen

Related Words: arm; harden, inure, season, toughen; bolster, boost, buoy (up), buttress, enforce, prop (up), reinforce (also reenforce), support, sustain; cheer (up), comfort, embolden, encourage, hearten, inspire; rally, rouse, stir

Near Antonyms: daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dispirit, psych (out), shake, unnerve; debilitate, enervate, enfeeble, prostrate, sap, soften, tire, undercut, undermine, weaken

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