queasy

American  

[kwee-zee] / ˈkwi zi /

especially British, queazy

adjective

queasier, queasiest

1. inclined to or feeling nausea, as the stomach, a person, etc.; nauseous; nauseated.

2. tending to cause nausea; nauseating.

3. uneasy or uncomfortable, as feelings, the conscience, etc.

   Synonyms:

   worried, anxious, upset

4. squeamish; excessively fastidious.

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queasy British  

/ ˈkwiːzɪ /

adjective

1. having the feeling that one is about to vomit; nauseous

2. feeling or causing uneasiness

   a queasy conscience

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Other Word Forms

• queasily
  adverb
• queasiness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of queasy

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English qweysy, coisi, of uncertain origin

Explanation

Queasy describes a feeling of nervousness, uneasiness, or anxiety. If you're queasy about making a speech in front of the entire high school, you have a feeling that it won't go well. Queasy can also mean feeling sick to your stomach. If you eat a sandwich made of turkey that expired two months ago, you'll likely feel queasy and throw up. If you feel queasy during a flight, both meanings of the word can apply: you may be queasy — as in anxious — because you're afraid of flying. And you may also be queasy — as in sick to your stomach — as a result of the air turbulence.

Related Words

• anxious
• fidgety
• groggy
• restless
• sickly
• squeamish
• uncomfortable
• uneasy