nerve
noun
one or more bundles of fibers forming part of a system that conveys impulses of sensation, motion, etc., between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body.
were nerving
-
past progressiveof nerve.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
The wind ceased to blow; every sound was hushed as though Nature were nerving herself, silent for the throe, and our looks said, "In five minutes it will be down upon us."
From Two Trips to Gorilla Land and the Cataracts of the Congo Volume 1 by Sir Richard Francis Burton
This time there was no outburst of grief from the people; they felt that all hope was vain, and they were nerving themselves for martyrdom.
From Prince Eugene and His Times by L. (Luise) Mühlbach
All his faith and selflessness were nerving the big man.
From Gunman's Reckoning by Max Brand
An indecisive moment passed, as though the man were nerving himself for an ordeal of courage and cunning.
From The Grey Cloak by Thomas Mitchell Peirce
The tracks moved straight on to the edge in great leaps; my heart quickened its beat as if I were nerving myself for a supreme effort.
From Secret of the Woods by William Joseph Long
