I. ˈfijə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: irregular from fidge
1. : the quality or state of being restless : a condition marked by incessant changes of position or nervous movement : dysphoria
in a terrible fidget over unpaid bills
— often used in plural
a person suffering from the fidgets
2.
[ fidget (II) ]
: one that exhibits or suffers from the fidgets
his aunt being a regular old fidget
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
intransitive verb
1. : to move uneasily one way and the other : act nervously or impatiently
the speaker kept fidgeting and clearing his throat
2. : to be nervously uneasy : worry
always fidgeting about her health
3. : to tinker or play nervously or absently — used with with
fidgets with his tie
transitive verb
1. : to cause physical uneasiness in : make nervous
a pitcher fidgeted by the constant movement of a batter
2. : to move or play with restlessly
a policeman eyeing traffic and fidgeting his whistle