A feeling of worry, anxiety, or fear that makes you tense or uneasy. It often shows up as physical signs like shaking hands, a fast heartbeat, or a stomachache.
From 'nervous' + '-ness'. 'Nervous' originally meant 'strong, vigorous', from Latin 'nervosus', but over time it shifted to mean 'easily agitated or anxious'.
Nervousness is your body’s alarm system preparing you for action—useful in danger, annoying before exams. Interestingly, the word used to be a compliment meaning 'full of energy'; only later did it become tied to anxiety.
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