- nervous
- nerv|ous [ `nɜrvəs ] adjective **1. ) feeling excited and worried, or slightly afraid: ANXIOUS:Driving on icy mountain roads makes me nervous.get nervous: I got very nervous waiting for my turn to be called.nervous about: She was nervous about walking home so late.a ) showing that someone is feeling nervous:Callum gave a slightly nervous laugh.b ) a nervous illness or medical condition is caused by worry, or by working too hard, so that you feel excited when you want to relax:nervous exhaustion/strainheadaches caused by nervous tension2. ) a nervous person becomes easily excited and reacts quickly to things in a way that shows they are not relaxed:a nervous, fidgety young man3. ) relating to the system of nerves in your body:a nervous complainta nervous wreck INFORMALsomeone who is very upset and worried:After one day of teaching, I was a nervous wreck.╾ nerv|ous|ly adverb:He shifted in his chair nervously.╾ nerv|ous|ness noun uncount
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.