Nerve

/nɜrv/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A cord-like structure that carries impulses between the brain and other parts of the body; a bundle of fibers in the body.

The surgeon carefully worked around the nerve to avoid causing any permanent damage.

A person's mental or emotional strength, especially in facing difficult situations.

It took a lot of nerve for her to confront her boss about the unfair treatment.

Courage or boldness; the quality of being brave.

He finally had the nerve to ask her out on a date.

verb

To give someone the courage or confidence to do something.

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.

Guts or audacity.

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

A reference to being overly bold or brazen.

She has the nerve to complain after what she did.