adj.
Pronunciation: ' a ŋ (k)-sh ə s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin anxius; akin to Latin angere to strangle, distress ― more at ANGER
Date: circa 1616
1 : characterized by extreme uneasiness of mind or brooding fear about some contingency : WORRIED < anxious parents>
2 : characterized by, resulting from, or causing anxiety : WORRYING <an anxious night>
3 : ardently or earnestly wishing < anxious to learn more>
synonyms see EAGER
– anx · ious · ly adverb
– anx · ious · ness noun