trepidation

[trep-i-dey-shuhn]

noun

1. tremulous fear, alarm, or agitation; perturbation.

   Synonyms: disquiet, apprehension, panic, alarm, fright, fear, dread, anxiety

2. Archaic.,  trembling or quivering movement; tremor.

trepidation

/ ˌtrɛpɪˈdeɪʃən /

noun

1. a state of fear or anxiety

2. a condition of quaking or palpitation, esp one caused by anxiety

Other Word Forms

• trepidatious adjective
• trepidatiously adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of trepidation¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin trepidātiōn- (stem of trepidātiō ), equivalent to trepidāt(us) (past participle of trepidāre “to hurry, panic, alarm” + -iōn- noun suffix; trepid, -ate ¹, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of trepidation¹

C17: from Latin trepidātiō , from trepidāre to be in a state of alarm; compare _intrepid

Example Sentences

The actor initially approached this project with trepidation similar to her character.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, trepidation is being felt on other side of the city as well.

From BBC

What isn’t as broadly explored is the common trepidation about venturing out alone, whether to your favorite, familiar eatery or Morocco, Mexico and Spain.

From Salon

With half trepidation, half glee I tiptoed over the wide red smear, following it to its source: a crime scene in space.

From Salon

And though she uncovers long-held truths and confronts those who peddled her mother’s secrets, “My Mom Jayne” is most moving when Hargitay challenges her lifelong trepidation about getting to know her mother better.

From Salon

Related Words

• alarm 
• apprehension 
• consternation 
• dismay 
• disquiet 
• dread 
• excitement 
• fright 
• horror 
• jitters www.thesaurus.com
• nervousness 
• panic 
• terror 
• uneasiness www.thesaurus.com