nerves

nerves · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Plural of nerve; the bundles of fibers in the body that transmit sensory and motor impulses.

  2. 2.

    A state of anxiety, nervousness, or tension.

  3. 3.

    One's emotional composure or steadiness.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    nerves of steel — exceptional calmness and courage under pressure
  • •
    a bundle of nerves — an extremely nervous person
  • •
    get on one's nerves — to annoy or irritate someone
  • •
    calm one's nerves — to relax and reduce anxiety
  • •
    war of nerves — a psychological battle to wear down an opponent

Related words

Antonyms: calm, composure
See also: anxiety, nerve, nervous
Synonyms: anxiety, nervousness, tension

Etymology

Plural of "nerve," from Latin nervus ("sinew, tendon, nerve"). The sense referring to emotional state developed from the belief that nerves controlled one's emotional composure.