Meaning & Definition of word "Nerve"

Nerve

/nɜrv/

1. A cord-like structure that carries impulses between the brain and other parts of the body; a bundle of fibers in the body.
- Example: The surgeon carefully worked around the nerve to avoid causing any permanent damage.
2. A person's mental or emotional strength, especially in facing difficult situations.
- Example: It took a lot of nerve for her to confront her boss about the unfair treatment.
3. Courage or boldness; the quality of being brave.
- Example: He finally had the nerve to ask her out on a date.

1. To give someone the courage or confidence to do something.
- Example: She nerfed herself up to speak in front of the large crowd.

From Latin 'nervus', meaning 'sinew, tendon, nerve'.

step on someone's nerves:

to irritate or annoy someone.

have the nerve:

to have the boldness or courage to do something.

get on someone's nerves:

to cause someone to feel annoyed.

nerve-racking:

causing anxiety or stress.

nervous:

Feeling or showing anxiety or apprehension.

nervousness:

The state of being anxious or apprehensive.

neurons:

Cells that transmit nerve impulses.

neurology:

The branch of medicine that deals with the nervous system.

Meaning: Guts or audacity.

Example Sentence: It takes some serious nerve to pull off a stunt like that.

Meaning: A reference to being overly bold or brazen.

Example Sentence: She has the nerve to complain after what she did.