/ ˈæŋkʃəs; NAmE / adjective
1.
anxious (about sth) | anxious (for sb) feeling worried or nervous :
He seemed anxious about the meeting.
Parents are naturally anxious for their children.
➡ note at worried
2.
causing anxiety; showing anxiety :
There were a few anxious moments in the baseball game.
an anxious look / face / expression
3.
anxious to do sth | anxious for sth | anxious for sb to do sth | anxious that ... wanting sth very much :
She was anxious to finish school and get a job.
There are plenty of graduates anxious for work.
He was anxious not to be misunderstood.
I'm anxious for her to do as little as possible.
She was anxious that he should meet her father.
► anx·ious·ly adverb :
to ask / look / wait anxiously
Residents are anxiously awaiting a decision.
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: from Latin anxius (from angere to choke) + -ous .