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View synonyms for

anxious

[ angk-shuhs, ang- ]

adjective

  1. full of mental distress or uneasiness because of fear of danger or misfortune; greatly worried; apprehensive:

    Her parents were anxious about her poor health.

    Synonyms: , , , , ,

    Antonyms: ,

  2. earnestly desirous; eager (usually followed by an infinitive or for ): anxious for our happiness.

    anxious to please;

    anxious for our happiness.

    Antonyms: ,

  3. attended with or showing solicitude or uneasiness:

    anxious forebodings.



anxious

/ ˈæŋkʃəs; ˈæŋʃəs /

adjective

  1. worried and tense because of possible misfortune, danger, etc; uneasy
  2. fraught with or causing anxiety; worrying; distressing

    an anxious time

  3. intensely desirous; eager

    anxious for promotion

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈԳ澱dzܲԱ, noun
  • ˈԳ澱dzܲ, adverb
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Other Word Forms

  • Գ·dzܲ· adverb
  • Գ·dzܲ·Ա noun
  • ܲ·-Գ·dzܲ adjective
  • ܲ·Գ·dzܲ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of anxious1

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin anxius “worried, distressed,” derivative of angere “to strangle, pain, distress”; anguish, -ous
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Word History and Origins

Origin of anxious1

C17: from Latin anxius; related to Latin angere to torment; see anger , anguish
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Compare Meanings

How does anxious compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

I have anxiety . . . not like they go hand in hand . . . but I’m anxious just waking up in the morning.

From

"We are in a time and a place where I have not been before. I am oftentimes very anxious myself about using my voice because retaliation is real — and that's not right."

From

He also took full advantage of the new political landscape, leaning into his experience helping Canada and the UK navigate previous crises at a time when Canadians were feeling anxious about their economic future.

From

In this campaign, both are languishing and face the possibility of losing a number of seats in the House of Commons as anxious voters turn towards the two main political parties.

From

Plagued with leaks and buffeted by scandals, this "infidel" Ahab has become anxious, ornery and isolated as President Donald Trump's second term enters its third month.

From

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