stage fright

American  

noun

1. nervousness felt by a performer or speaker when appearing before an audience.

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stage fright British  

noun

1. nervousness or panic that may beset a person about to appear in front of an audience

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stage fright Idioms  

1. Acute nervousness when performing or speaking before an audience, as in When John first had to present his findings to the board of directors, stage fright made him stutter. [Second half of 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of stage fright

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Robbie has spoken openly about suffering from stage fright in the past, experiencing terror before walking on stage.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

Here, she discusses the jazz warm-up she’s used for decades, dealing with stage fright and loving the divas she plays.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

However, until 2016, when Carpenter first toured with his music, he was consumed with stage fright.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2025

I have terrible stage fright and I am always worried about disappointing people.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2025

More time for us to develop stage fright.

From "Maybe He Just Likes You" by Barbara Dee