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

Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, admitted to some trepidation at telling a Hall of Famer that he would be bound for the postseason bullpen.

From Los Angeles Times

For many Barbudans, this time of year will always bring trepidation.

From BBC

“I think there has been some trepidation,” said Mike Testa, president and chief executive of Visit Sacramento, in an interview.

From Los Angeles Times

“As we move into the critical holiday season, there is now some trepidation with what the impact of tariffs is ultimately going to be,” Ahearn said.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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