Worry

Definition

Worry refers to the state of feeling anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems. As a verb, it means to experience or cause anxiety.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwɜː.ri/ or /ˈwʌr.i/
• Respelling: WUR-ee or WUH-ree

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwʌr.i/
• Respelling: WUH-ree

Etymology

The word "worry" originates from Old English "wyrgan," meaning "to strangle." It later evolved in Middle English to mean "to harass or vex," before taking on its modern sense of anxiety or unease in the 16th century.

Derivatives

• Worried (adjective)
• Worrisome (adjective)
• Worrying (adjective)
• Unworried (adjective)
• Overworry (verb)

Synonyms

• Anxiety
• Concern
• Apprehension

Antonyms

• Calm
• Peace
• Relaxation

Usage

The noun "worry" is used to describe a feeling of concern, as in "Her main worry was the upcoming deadline." The verb form describes the act of feeling or causing anxiety, such as "He tends to worry about small things."

Related Terms

• Anxiety: A feeling of unease or nervousness.
• Fear: An emotional response to perceived danger.
• Stress: A state of mental or emotional strain.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A feeling of anxiety or concern: Refers to an emotional state caused by fear of potential problems.
  • Example: "Her financial troubles were a constant source of worry."
• A cause of concern: Refers to something that induces worry or unease.
  • Example: "The safety of the children was his primary worry."

Verb

• To feel anxious or troubled: Describes experiencing concern or unease.
  • Example: "She couldn’t stop worrying about her exam results."
• To cause someone else to feel anxious: Refers to actions that induce concern in another person.
  • Example: "The delay in his arrival worried his family."