anxious (ˈæŋkʃəs
;ˈæŋʃəs)
Definitions
adjective
- worried and tense because of possible misfortune, danger, etc; uneasy
- fraught with or causing anxiety; worrying; distressing ⇒
an anxious time
- intensely desirous; eager ⇒
anxious for promotion
Alternative Forms
ˈanxiously adverb ˈanxiousness nounWord Origin
C17: from Latin anxius; related to Latin angere to torment; see anger, anguishSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
uneasy,
concerned,
worried,
troubled,
upset,
careful,
wired,
nervous,
disturbed,
distressed,
uncomfortable,
tense,
fearful,
unsettled,
restless,
neurotic,
agitated,
taut,
disquieted,
apprehensive,
edgy,
watchful,
jittery,
perturbed,
on edge,
ill at ease,
twitchy,
solicitous,
overwrought,
fretful,
on tenterhooks,
in suspense hot and bothered
unquiet,
like a fish out of water,
antsy,
angsty,
on pins and needles,
discomposed,
Usage examples
Bondougou chewed his way through a number of toothpicks -- anxious , frustrated, he wanted to get on with things.
, A DARKENING STAIN (2002)It has been an anxious time for yachtsmen who keep boats in Grenada.
Yachting Boating World (2004)The junior doctor, anxious not to make a mistake, may order lots of tests.
Irish Times (2002)Admittedly, both indices have recovered somewhat from their early April lows, but nevertheless, the US investor is anxious.
Glasgow Herald (2001)Whenever we feel that something is about to happen which we may not be able to deal with, we feel anxious.
, BEYOND FEAR (2002)