Definition: Anxiety

From New World Encyclopedia

Etymology

From Latin anxietÄs, from anxius (anxious, solicitous, distressed, troubled), from angÅ (to distress, trouble), akin to Ancient Greek ἄγχω or ánkhÅ (to choke). Equivalent to anxious + -ety.

Noun

anxiety (countable and uncountable, plural anxieties)

  1. An unpleasant state of mental uneasiness, nervousness, apprehension and obsession or concern about some uncertain event.
  2. An uneasy or distressing desire (for something).
  3. A state of restlessness and agitation, often accompanied by a distressing sense of oppression or tightness in the stomach.

Derived terms

  • anxiety disorder
  • performance anxiety
  • separation anxiety
  • social anxiety
  • social anxiety disorder

Credits

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