Definition of worry
worried
;worrying
transitive verb
2a : to harass by tearing, biting, or snapping especially at the throatb : to shake or pull at with the teeth a terrier worrying a ratc : to touch or disturb something repeatedlyd : to change the position of or adjust by repeated pushing or hauling
3a : to assail with rough or aggressive attack or treatment : tormentb : to subject to persistent or nagging attention or effort
4 : to afflict with mental distress or agitation : make anxious
intransitive verb
2 : to move, proceed, or progress by unceasing or difficult effort : struggle
3 : to feel or experience concern or anxiety : fret worrying about his health
worryingly
adverbFrom the M-W Editors
Examples of worry in a Sentence
We didn't want you to worry.
Don't worry. You'll be fine.
Don't make your parents worry.
When they didn't call after two hours, we began to worry.
They were fine. We needn't have worried.
His poor health worries me.
It doesn't seem to worry him that rain is in the forecast.
We didn't tell you about the accident because we didn't want to worry you.
Origin and Etymology of worry
Middle English worien, from Old English wyrgan; akin to Old High German wurgen to strangle, Lithuanian veržti to constrict
First Known Use: before 12th century
Synonym Discussion of worry
worry
Definition of worry
worries
1a : mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usually for something impending or anticipated : anxietyb : an instance or occurrence of such distress or agitation
2 : a cause of worry : trouble, difficulty
Examples of worry in a Sentence
She finally ended months of worry over her credit card debt when she finished paying off her bill.
His high blood pressure is cause for worry.
Our greatest worry is that she'll get lost.
His only worry right now is getting to the airport on time.
His mother's health is a constant worry.
1804
First Known Use of worry
1804
Synonym Discussion of worry
WORRY Defined for English Language Learners
worry
playDefinition of worry for English Language Learners
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: to think about problems or fears : to feel or show fear and concern because you think that something bad has happened or could happen
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: to make (someone) anxious or upset : to cause (someone) to worry
worry
Definition of worry for English Language Learners
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: a feeling of concern about something bad that might happen : the state or condition of worrying about something
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: a problem or concern : something that causes you to be worried
WORRY Defined for Kids
Definition of worry for Students
worried
;worrying
1 : to feel or express great concern I worry about Grandma's health.
2 : to make anxious or upset The child's illness worried his parents.
3 : to shake and tear with the teeth The puppy was worrying an old shoe.
worrier
\-ē-ər\ nounLearn More about worry
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See words that rhyme with worry Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for worry Spanish Central: Translation of worry Nglish: Translation of worry for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of worry for Arabic speakers
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