Anxiety – Definition & Meaning

Anxiety is a common emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. It is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear about a future event or situation. Anxiety can be mild or severe, and it can be a normal response to stress or a mental health disorder. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of anxiety, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.

Definitions

Anxiety is defined as a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. It is a natural response to stress that helps us cope with challenging situations. However, when anxiety becomes excessive and uncontrollable, it can interfere with daily life and lead to mental health disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Origin

The word anxiety comes from the Latin word anxietas, which means “distress” or “trouble.” The root word is anxius, which means “worried” or “anxious.” The concept of anxiety has been present throughout human history, and it has been described in many different cultures and languages.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, anxiety is “apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipated ill.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines anxiety as “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.”

Associations

Anxiety is often associated with symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. It can also be associated with physical health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and digestive disorders.

Synonyms

Some synonyms for anxiety include worry, concern, nervousness, unease, apprehension, and fear.

Antonyms

Antonyms for anxiety include calmness, peace, serenity, relaxation, and confidence.

The same root words

Words that have the same root as anxiety include anxious, anxiously, and anxiety-ridden.

Example Sentences

1. I have a lot of anxiety about my upcoming job interview.
2. She experiences anxiety every time she has to speak in public.
3. His anxiety is so severe that he has trouble leaving his house.
4. Meditation helps me manage my anxiety.
5. Despite her anxiety, she was able to give a successful presentation.
6. He felt a sense of calmness and relief after his anxiety subsided.
7. The doctor prescribed medication to treat her anxiety disorder.
8. Her anxiety prevented her from enjoying social situations.
9. He tried to hide his anxiety, but his trembling hands gave him away.
10. The therapist taught her coping mechanisms to deal with her anxiety.