Nerve wracking Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈnɝːv ˈrækɪŋ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Causing intense anxiety, fear, or apprehension; extremely unsettling or unnerving.

Examples

• The nerve-wracking experience of skydiving for the first time left me shaken.
• The movie’s nerve-wracking plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat.

Synonyms

• Frightening
• Terrifying
• Alarming

Antonyms

• Calm
• Soothing
• Reassuring

Additional Information

Nerve-wracking experiences can be physically and emotionally draining. They can cause increased heart rate, sweating, and a sense of dread or fear. In some cases, nerve-wracking situations can even trigger anxiety disorders or panic attacks.

In everyday life, nerve-wracking situations can arise from various sources, such as public speaking, taking exams, or facing confrontations. Learning to cope with these situations is essential for maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

Etymology

The term “nerve-wracking” originated in the late 19th century, derived from the idea of wracking or straining one’s nerves, implying a state of intense mental or emotional tension.

Usage Notes

When using the term “nerve-wracking,” be mindful of the context and audience. It’s essential to avoid sensationalizing or trivializing experiences that may be genuinely distressing for some individuals.

Cultural References

The term “nerve-wracking” has been used in various forms of media, including horror movies, thrillers, and suspense novels, to describe intense and frightening scenes or plot twists.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

On edge, on tenterhooks, in a sweat, and biting one’s nails are idiomatic expressions that convey a sense of nerve-wracking anxiety or anticipation.

Related Words or Phrases

• Fearful
• Anxious
• Apprehensive
• Unsettling

Collocations

• Nerve-wracking experience
• Nerve-wracking situation
• Nerve-wracking moment

Frequency of Use

The term “nerve-wracking” is moderately frequent in modern language, often used in informal and formal contexts to describe intense or unsettling experiences.

Common Misspellings

• Nerve wrakking
• Nerve racking
• Nerf wracking