Nervous

/ˈnɜːrvəs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Characterized by or showing feelings of anxiety or apprehension.

She was nervous about speaking in front of the large audience.

Easily agitated or alarmed; tending to be anxious.

He was a nervous driver, constantly checking his mirrors.

Relating to the nerves or the nervous system.

The doctor explained that the nervous response can be triggered by stress.

Late Latin 'nervosus', from 'nervus', meaning 'nerve'.

nervous breakdown

A period of mental illness or emotional instability.

nervous wreck

Someone who is extremely anxious or distressed.

butterflies in my stomach

Feeling nervous or anxious before a certain event.

anxiety

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.

apprehension

An anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

tense

In a state of mental or nervous strain.

jumpy

Easily startled or anxious.

On edge

He's been on edge all day with the deadline looming.

Freaked out

She was totally freaked out before her big exam.

Spazzing

He was spazzing over the test results.

Butterfly vibes

I get butterfly vibes every time I go to a party.