anxiety anxiety /æŋˈzaɪəti/

noun

1. () (psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic  ( anxiousness , anxiety )
   (psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
     Her anxiety made it difficult for her to sleep at night.
   Her anxiety made it difficult for her to sleep at night.
   
2. () A vague unpleasant emotion that is experienced in anticipation of some (usually ill-defined) misfortune  ( anxiety )
   a vague unpleasant emotion that is experienced in anticipation of some (usually ill-defined) misfortune
     She felt a wave of anxiety wash over her before the job interview.
   She felt a wave of anxiety wash over her before the job interview.