anx ‧ i ‧ e ‧ ty S3 W3 /æŋˈzaɪəti/ BrE AmE noun ( plural anxieties )
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: anxietas , from anxius ; ⇨ ↑ anxious ]
1 . [uncountable and countable] the feeling of being very worried about something SYN concern
anxiety about/over
There is considerable anxiety among staff about job losses.
There is growing public anxiety over levels of air pollution in our cities.
deep/acute/great anxiety
The fear of unemployment can be a source of deep anxiety to people.
his feelings of anxiety
A high level of anxiety was created by the introduction of cameras into the factory.
It can help if you discuss your anxieties with someone.
2 . [uncountable] a feeling of wanting to do something very much
anxiety to do something
I nearly fell in my anxiety to get downstairs quickly.
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COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ great/considerable anxiety
Then began a day of great anxiety.
▪ acute/deep/high anxiety
The patient's panic attacks are caused by acute anxiety.
▪ constant anxiety
She lives a life of constant anxiety over money and job security.
▪ increasing/mounting anxiety
There is mounting anxiety about the rise in violent crime.
▪ public anxiety
the wave of public anxiety about food safety
■ verbs
▪ cause/create/lead to anxiety
Their nuclear programme is causing mounting anxiety among other nations, especially Israel.
▪ arouse/provoke anxiety (=cause it)
The presence of Indian troops near the border has aroused considerable anxiety in neighbouring Pakistan.
▪ feel/suffer from anxiety
The child may feel anxiety about being away from home.
▪ reduce/relieve anxiety
The drug helps to reduce anxiety, allowing you to feel relaxed.
■ phrases
▪ a source of anxiety
For many people, the primary source of anxiety is work.
▪ somebody's level of anxiety
Patients experience high levels of anxiety at time of admission to hospital.
▪ feelings of anxiety
Having an operation naturally entails feelings of anxiety.
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THESAURUS
■ the feeling of being worried
▪ worry the feeling of not being happy or relaxed and thinking a lot about a problem or something that is wrong:
She was sick with worry over her daughter.
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the look of worry on his face
▪ anxiety the feeling of being worried because you think that something bad has happened or will happen, and you feel that you have no control over the situation:
The thought of having to give a speech filled me with anxiety.
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The increase in heating costs is causing a lot of anxiety among elderly people.
▪ concern a worried feeling – use this especially when many people are worried about a problem that affects everyone:
The shortage of water is beginning to cause widespread concern.
▪ stress the feeling of being worried all the time, for example about work or personal problems, which can make you ill or very tired:
Her financial problems were causing her a lot of stress.
▪ anguish a feeling of extreme mental suffering caused by worry:
How could her parents survive the anguish of not knowing what had happened to her?
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When she spoke, her voice was full of anguish.
▪ angst a strong feeling of worry and anxiety because you are worried about your life, your future, or what you should do in a particular situation:
The letter was full of teenage angst - would she ever be able to find another boyfriend?
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There was much angst about the decision.