Anxiety: meaning, definitions and examples

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anxiety

[aŋˈzʌɪəti ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling of worry or fear

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. It is a natural human response to stress, but if it becomes excessive or persistent, it can be debilitating. Anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling.

Synonyms

nervousness, unease, worry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
anxiety	To describe a persistent and often intense feeling of fear or worry, usually about something with an uncertain outcome. Often used in medical or psychological contexts. She felt a surge of anxiety before her big presentation. His anxiety kept him awake at night, causing him to lose sleep.
worry	Relates to a more general and often less intense feeling of concern or anxiety, usually about a specific issue or possibility. She has constant worry about her children's safety. He couldn't stop worrying about the interview next week.
nervousness	Used to describe a temporary, often less intense feeling of worry or fear, usually in response to a specific situation. He couldn’t hide his nervousness while speaking in front of the large audience. Before the exam, she experienced a lot of nervousness.
unease	A general feeling of discomfort or apprehension, often without a specific focus. It can imply a mild or moderate level of concern. There was a feeling of unease in the community after the recent events. I felt a sense of unease walking through the dark alley.

Examples of usage

I have a lot of anxiety about my upcoming presentation.
She suffers from anxiety attacks when faced with social situations.
His anxiety about the future keeps him awake at night.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Latin 'anxietas' meaning 'to be troubled' or 'to be in distress'.
In ancient times, feelings of anxiety were often attributed to supernatural forces or bad spirits.
Throughout history, anxiety has been recognized as a common human experience, referenced in classic literature and philosophic texts.

Psychology

The body's fight-or-flight response is triggered during moments of anxiety, preparing you to either face a threat or escape.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in the U.S., affecting millions of people each year.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a commonly used and effective treatment for reducing anxiety by changing negative thought patterns.

Pop Culture

Films often portray the struggles of characters with anxiety, with movies like 'Silver Linings Playbook' highlighting its impact on relationships.
Anxiety is a common theme in music, with many artists expressing their feelings of worry in their lyrics.
Social media has brought more awareness to anxiety, with influencers discussing mental health openly, helping to reduce stigma.

Science

Recent studies show that anxiety can affect physical health, contributing to issues like heart disease and digestive problems.
Research reveals that regular exercise can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters.
Neuroscientists have found that certain brain areas, like the amygdala, are heavily involved in processing fear and anxiety responses.

Literature

Many authors, including Virginia Woolf and Fyodor Dostoevsky, explore themes of anxiety and mental distress in their works.
In contemporary fiction, characters often deal with anxiety, making their journeys relatable to modern readers.
Literature often acts as a mirror to societal issues, with many novels reflecting the rise of anxiety in today's fast-paced world.

Translations

Translations of the word "anxiety" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ansiedade

🇮🇳 चिंता

🇩🇪 Angst

🇮🇩 kecemasan

🇺🇦 тривога

🇵🇱 niepokój

🇯🇵 不安

🇫🇷 anxiété

🇪🇸 ansiedad

🇹🇷 kaygı

🇰🇷 불안

🇸🇦 قلق

🇨🇿 úzkost

🇸🇰 úzkosť

🇨🇳 焦虑

🇸🇮 tesnoba

🇮🇸 kvíði

🇰🇿 алаңдау

🇬🇪 შფოთვა

🇦🇿 narahatlıq

🇲🇽 ansiedad

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,148, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3145 retired
3146 investigated
3147 logic
3148 anxiety
3149 smoke
3150 comparable
3151 drinking
...