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.
Etymology
Late Latin 'nervosus', from 'nervus', meaning 'nerve'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Slang Meanings
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.