n.
Pronunciation: ˌ tre-p ə - ' d ā -sh ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin trepidation-, trepidatio, from trepidare to tremble, from trepidus agitated; probably akin to Old English thrafian to urge, push, Greek trapein to press grapes
Date: 1605
1 archaic : a tremulous motion : TREMOR
2 : timorous uncertain agitation : APPREHENSION < trepidation about starting a new job>
synonyms see FEAR