Angst: meaning, definitions and examples
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angst
[ æŋkst ]
existential dread
Angst is a term typically used to describe a feeling of deep anxiety or dread, often related to existential concerns or human freedom. It is often used in psychological contexts to portray a sense of foreboding about the uncertainties of life. The term can also encompass feelings of frustration and discontent that arise in response to societal expectations or isolation. In literature, angst is often emphasized in characters' internal conflicts, reflecting their struggles with identity and purpose.
Synonyms
anguish, anxiety, dread, fear, tension.
Examples of usage
- The protagonist expressed his angst throughout the novel.
- Many artists capture the angst of modern life in their work.
- Teenagers often go through a phase of angst as they search for their identity.
Translations
Translations of the word "angst" in other languages:
🇵🇹 angústia
- apreensão
- ansiedade
🇮🇳 अशांति
- चिंता
- भय
🇩🇪 Angst
- Furcht
- Besorgnis
🇮🇩 ketakutan
- kecemasan
- ketidakpastian
🇺🇦 страх
- тривога
- занепокоєння
🇵🇱 strach
- lęk
- niepokój
🇯🇵 不安 (ふあん)
- 恐れ (おそれ)
- 心配 (しんぱい)
🇫🇷 angoisse
- peur
- appréhension
🇪🇸 angustia
- miedo
- ansiedad
🇹🇷 korku
- kaygı
- endişe
🇰🇷 두려움
- 불안
- 걱정
🇸🇦 خوف
- قلق
- توتر
🇨🇿 strach
- úzkost
- obava
🇸🇰 strach
- úzkosť
- obava
🇨🇳 恐惧 (kǒngjù)
- 焦虑 (jiāolǜ)
- 不安 (bù'ān)
🇸🇮 strah
- tesnoba
- zaskrbljenost
🇮🇸 ótti
- kvíði
- áhyggjuefni
🇰🇿 қорқыныш
- алаңдаушылық
- үрей
🇬🇪 შიში
- შფოთვა
- შეშფოთება
🇦🇿 qorxu
- narahatlıq
- təşviş
🇲🇽 angustia
- miedo
- ansiedad
Etymology
The word 'angst' comes from the German language, where it means 'fear' or 'anxiety.' Its roots can be traced back to the Old High German term 'angust,' which also conveys a sense of tightness or constriction. The term became popular in the English language in the 20th century, particularly within psychological and philosophical discourse. It benefited from the influence of existentialist thinkers such as Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche, who explored themes of anxiety, freedom, and the nature of human existence. The use of 'angst' in literature and art gained prominence, particularly in the expressions of youth in the post-World War II era, who felt disillusioned by modern society. Thus, angst has evolved to encapsulate not only fear but a profound emotional and psychological struggle inherent to the human experience.