nerves

British

/ nɜːvz /

plural noun

the imagined source of emotional control

my nerves won't stand it
anxiety, tension, or imbalance

she's all nerves
a very nervous person
to irritate, annoy, or upset one

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Spending plans and priorities could help calm their nerves.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

That turned out to be just a citywide case of nerves.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

In damaged tissue, pain-sensing nerves often extend into areas where they do not typically belong, increasing discomfort.

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026

Arrizabalaga already had Arsenal's nerves on edge with an injudicious dash from goal which resulted in a yellow card for a panicked foul on Jeremy Doku.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

I felt sick with nerves, but I tightened my grip on Tess’s hand and made my legs keep moving.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023