v. & n.
v. (-ies, -ied) 1 intr. give way to anxiety or unease; allow one's mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles. 2 tr. harass, importune; be a trouble or anxiety to. 3 tr. a (of a dog etc.) shake or pull about with the teeth. b attack repeatedly. 4 (as worried adj.) a uneasy, troubled in the mind. b suggesting worry (a worried look).
n. (pl. -ies) 1 a thing that causes anxiety or disturbs a person's tranquillity. 2 a disturbed state of mind; anxiety; a worried state. 3 a dog's worrying of its quarry. not to worry colloq. there is no need to worry. worry along (or through) manage to advance by persistence in spite of obstacles. worry beads a string of beads manipulated with the fingers to occupy or calm oneself. worry-guts (or -wart) colloq. a person who habitually worries unduly. worry oneself (usu. in neg.) take needless trouble. worry out obtain (the solution to a problem etc.) by dogged effort. worriedly adv. worrier n. worryingly adv.
[ OE wyrgan strangle f. WG ]