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trepidation
noun
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Trepidation Has Latin Roots
If you've ever trembled with fright, you know something of both the sensation and etymology of trepidation. The word comes from the Latin verb trepidare, which means "to tremble." Early meanings of trepidation, such as "tremulous motion" or "tremor," reflect that origin; those are followed by the word's sense of "apprehension."
Synonyms
fear, dread, fright, alarm, panic, terror, trepidation mean painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger.
fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.
dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.
fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.
alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.
panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity.
terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.
trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation.
Examples of trepidation in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trepidation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Latin trepidation-, trepidatio, from trepidare to tremble, from trepidus agitated; probably akin to Old English thrafian to urge, push, Greek trapein to press grapes
1605, in the meaning defined at sense 2
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Cite this Entry
“Trepidation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trepidation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
trepidation
nounMore from Merriam-Webster on trepidation
Nglish: Translation of trepidation for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of trepidation for Arabic Speakers
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