worries; worried; worrying
1
: to think about problems or fears : to feel or show fear and concern because you think that something bad has happened or could happen
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.
—often + aboutLet the travel agent worry about the details.
Haven't we got enough to worry about?
We don't have to worry about choosing a restaurant. [=someone else will choose a restaurant]
The nurse said her condition was nothing to worry about. [=her condition was not serious]
I'll take care of it. Don't worry about a thing.
—sometimes + overShe worried over her husband's health.
—+ thatMedical experts worry that a new strain of the virus will be more difficult to contain.
We worry that children don't get enough exercise.
My parents worry [=fear] that I won't go to college.
2
: to make (someone) anxious or upset : to cause (someone) to worry
His poor health worries me.
What's worrying you? [=what is causing you to feel upset?]
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.
Don't worry yourself. [=don't be upset or concerned]
He worried himself sick [=he was extremely worried] before the exam.
plural worries
1
: a feeling of concern about something bad that might happen : the state or condition of worrying about something : anxiety
His mother's health is a constant source of worry. [=concern]
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.
Her parents have been sick with worry [=extremely worried] for days since the accident.
2
: a problem or concern : something that causes you to be worried
Our greatest worry is that she'll get lost.
His only worry right now is getting to the airport on time.
What's your worry? [=what are you worried about?]
His money worries [=difficulties] are over.
His mother's health is a constant worry.
Her lost luggage was the least of her worries [=an unimportant problem] at the moment.
Cite this Entry
“Worry.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/worry. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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