First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1worry
verb wor·ry \ˈwər-ē, ˈwə-rē\
: to think about problems or fears : to feel or show fear and concern because you think that something bad has happened or could happen
: to make (someone) anxious or upset : to cause (someone) to worry
wor·riedwor·ry·ing
Full Definition of WORRY
transitive verb
2
a : to harass by tearing, biting, or snapping especially at the throat b : to shake or pull at with the teeth <a terrier worrying a rat> c : to touch or disturb something repeatedly d : to change the position of or adjust by repeated pushing or hauling
3
a : to assail with rough or aggressive attack or treatment : torment b : to subject to persistent or nagging attention or effort
4
: to afflict with mental distress or agitation : make anxious
intransitive verb
2
: to move, proceed, or progress by unceasing or difficult effort : struggle
3
: to feel or experience concern or anxiety : fret <worrying about his health>
— wor·ried·ly \-(r)ēd-lē, -(r)əd-\ adverb
— wor·ri·er \-(r)ē-ər\ noun
— wor·ry·ing·ly adverb
See worry defined for English-language learners
See worry defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of WORRY
Middle English worien, from Old English wyrgan; akin to Old High German wurgen to strangle, Lithuanian veržti to constrict
Related to WORRY
Synonym Discussion of WORRY
worry, annoy, harass, harry, plague, pester, tease mean to disturb or irritate by persistent acts. worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation <pursued a policy of worrying the enemy>. annoy implies disturbing one's composure or peace of mind by intrusion, interference, or petty attacks <you're doing that just to annoy me>. harass implies petty persecutions or burdensome demands that exhaust one's nervous or mental power <harassed on all sides by creditors>. harry may imply heavy oppression or maltreatment <the strikers had been harried by thugs>. plague implies a painful and persistent affliction <plagued all her life by poverty>. pester stresses the repetition of petty attacks <constantly pestered with trivial complaints>. tease suggests an attempt to break down one's resistance or rouse to wrath <children teased the dog>.
2worry
noun
: a feeling of concern about something bad that might happen : the state or condition of worrying about something
: a problem or concern : something that causes you to be worried
plural worries
Full Definition of WORRY
1
a : mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usually for something impending or anticipated : anxiety b : an instance or occurrence of such distress or agitation
2
: a cause of worry : trouble, difficulty
See worry defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WORRY
1804
Related to WORRY
- Synonyms
- agita, agitation, anxiousness, apprehension, apprehensiveness, care, concern, concernment, disquiet, disquietude, fear, nervosity, nervousness, perturbation, solicitude, sweat, unease, uneasiness, anxiety
- Antonyms
- unconcern
Synonym Discussion of WORRY
care, concern, solicitude, anxiety, worry mean a troubled or engrossed state of mind or the thing that causes this. care implies oppression of the mind weighed down by responsibility or disquieted by apprehension <a face worn by years of care>. concern implies a troubled state of mind because of personal interest, relation, or affection <crimes caused concern in the neighborhood>. solicitude implies great concern and connotes either thoughtful or hovering attentiveness toward another <acted with typical maternal solicitude>. anxiety stresses anguished uncertainty or fear of misfortune or failure <plagued by anxiety and self-doubt>. worry suggests fretting over matters that may or may not be real cause for anxiety <financial worries>.
WORRY[1] Defined for Kids
1worry
verb wor·ry \ˈwər-ē\
wor·riedwor·ry·ing
Definition of WORRY for Kids
1
: to feel or express great concern <I worry about Grandma's health.>
2
: to make anxious or upset <The child's illness worried his parents.>
3
: to shake and tear with the teeth <The puppy was worrying an old shoe.>
— wor·ri·er \-ē-ər\ noun
2worry
noun
plural worries
Definition of WORRY for Kids
1
: concern about something that might happen : anxiety <There was no playfulness … just a sense … of worry. — Lois Lowry, Number the Stars>
2
: a cause of great concern <Her poor grades are a worry to her parents.>
Learn More About WORRY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: worry beadsPrevious Word in the Dictionary: worrit All Words Near: worry
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up worry? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).