trepidation

noun

trep·​i·​da·​tion ˌtre-pə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce trepidation (audio)
1
: a nervous or fearful feeling of uncertain agitation : apprehension
trepidation about starting a new job
2
archaic : a tremulous motion : tremor

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Trepidation Has Latin Roots

If you've ever trembled with fright, you know something of both the sensation and etymology of trepidation. The word comes from the Latin verb trepidare, which means "to tremble." Early meanings of trepidation, such as "tremulous motion" or "tremor," reflect that origin; those are followed by the word's sense of "apprehension."

Choose the Right Synonym for trepidation

fear, dread, fright, alarm, panic, terror, trepidation mean painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger.

fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.

faced the meeting with dread

fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

fright at being awakened suddenly

alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity.

the news caused widespread panic

terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

immobilized with terror

trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation.

raised the subject with trepidation

Examples of trepidation in a Sentence

In the first minutes, hours, or even days of fieldwork most researchers feel trepidation about being an outsider, a stranger on the scene … Marie D. Price, Geographical Review, January-April 2001
This was an ambitious project, and a number of us felt some trepidation about the possible results. Brian Phillips, New Republic, 13 Dec. 1999
I came aboard the 319 with trepidation, to join the lives of utter strangers, a man untried by the circumstances they had known. Henry G. Bugbee, Jr., "Naval History," in Authors at Sea, Robert Shenk, ed.1997
He had some trepidation about agreeing to their proposal. shaking with trepidation, I stepped into the old abandoned house
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Investors for now at least can take some comfort that the White House is on their side, even if the mood during the strong rally held a dose of trepidation. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 12 May 2025 Two very young music students approached him with obvious trepidation about meeting one of their idols. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025 And there’s already trepidation among some Republicans that the House is in jeopardy. Amie Parnes, The Hill, 10 May 2025 In my conversations with Head Start providers, advocates, and program specialists across seven states in the last few weeks, the mood has been a mix of anger, sadness, hope, and trepidation. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for trepidation

Word History

Etymology

Latin trepidation-, trepidatio, from trepidare to tremble, from trepidus agitated; probably akin to Old English thrafian to urge, push, Greek trapein to press grapes

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of trepidation was in 1605

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Cite this Entry

“Trepidation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trepidation. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

trepidation

noun
trep·​i·​da·​tion ˌtrep-ə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce trepidation (audio)
: a state of alarm or nervousness
approached the abandoned house with trepidation

More from Merriam-Webster on trepidation

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