Angst Meaning and Definition
Angst
Pronunciation
/æŋst/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A feeling of deep anxiety, fear, or apprehension, often characterized by a sense of dread or unease.
Examples
- The teenager felt a deep sense of angst before his first day of school.
- The artist’s work often explored the themes of angst and existential crisis.
Synonyms
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Dread
Antonyms
- Calmness
- Serenity
- Confidence
Etymology
The word “Angst” originates from German, where it means “anxiety” or “fear”. It has been borrowed into English and other languages to describe the intense emotional state of worry, fear, or unease.
Usage Notes
Angst is often used to describe a general feeling of fear or anxiety that is not necessarily related to a specific object or situation. It can also be used to describe a sense of existential dread or crisis.
Cultural References
Angst has been a major theme in many works of literature, art, and music, particularly in the 20th century. It has also been explored in films and television shows.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “The angst of youth” – a phrase used to describe the struggles and anxieties of adolescence.
- “Existential angst” – a phrase used to describe the fear or anxiety of the meaninglessness of life.
Related Words or Phrases
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Dread
- Phobia
Collocations
- to feel angst
- to overcome angst
- to express angst
Frequency of Use
Angst is a relatively rare word in modern language, but it has become more common in recent years due to its use in art, literature, and popular culture.
Common Misspellings
- Aingst
- Angstte
- Angest