Meaning & Definition of word "Nerve"
Nerve
/nɜrv/
noun:
- 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.
verb:
- 1. To give someone the courage or confidence to do something.
- Example: She nerfed herself up to speak in front of the large crowd.
Etymology
●From Latin 'nervus', meaning 'sinew, tendon, nerve'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
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.
Slang Meanings of nerve
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.