• Anxious

    Pronunciation

    • US IPA: /ˈæŋ(k).ʃəs/

    Alternative forms

    Origin

    Old French *anxios, Latin anxius, from angō ("to cause pain, choke"); akin to Ancient Greek ἄγχειν ('a`gchein, "to choke"). See anger.

    Full definition of anxious

    Adjective

    anxious

    1. Full of anxiety or disquietude; greatly concerned or solicitous, especially respecting something future or unknown; being in painful suspense;—applied to persons; as, anxious for the issue of a battle.
      • 1963, Margery Allingham, The China Governess Chapter 19, Meanwhile Nanny Broome was recovering from her initial panic and seemed anxious to make up for any kudos she might have lost, by exerting her personality to the utmost. She took the policeman's helmet and placed it on a chair, and unfolded his tunic to shake it and fold it up again for him.
      • 2012, May 13, Alistair Magowan, Sunderland 0-1 Man Utd, But, with United fans in celebratory mood as it appeared their team might snatch glory, they faced an anxious wait as City equalised in stoppage time.
    2. I could tell she was anxious as she was biting her nails.
    3. Accompanied with, or causing, anxiety; worrying;—applied to things; as, anxious labor.
      • John MiltonThe sweet of life, from which God hath bid dwell far off all anxious cares.
    4. Earnestly desirous; as, anxious to please.
    5. All the voters were anxious to hear the election result.

    Usage notes

    Anxious is followed by for, about, concerning, etc., before the object of solicitude.

    Related terms

    © Wiktionary