trepidation

noun

trep·​i·​da·​tion ˌtre-pə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce trepidation (audio)
Synonyms of trepidationnext
1
: a nervous or fearful feeling of uncertain agitation : apprehension
trepidation about starting a new job
2
archaic : a tremulous motion : tremor

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Trepidation Has Latin Roots

If you've ever trembled with fright, you know something of both the sensation and etymology of trepidation. The word comes from the Latin verb trepidare, which means "to tremble." Early meanings of trepidation, such as "tremulous motion" or "tremor," reflect that origin; those are followed by the word's sense of "apprehension."

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for trepidation

fear, dread, fright, alarm, panic, terror, trepidation mean painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger.

fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.

faced the meeting with dread

fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

fright at being awakened suddenly

alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity.

the news caused widespread panic

terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

immobilized with terror

trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation.

raised the subject with trepidation

Examples of trepidation in a Sentence

In the first minutes, hours, or even days of fieldwork most researchers feel trepidation about being an outsider, a stranger on the scene … — Marie D. Price, Geographical Review, January-April 2001
This was an ambitious project, and a number of us felt some trepidation about the possible results. — Brian Phillips, New Republic, 13 Dec. 1999
I came aboard the 319 with trepidation, to join the lives of utter strangers, a man untried by the circumstances they had known. — Henry G. Bugbee, Jr., "Naval History," in Authors at Sea, Robert Shenk, ed.,  1997
He had some trepidation about agreeing to their proposal. shaking with trepidation, I stepped into the old abandoned house
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Out on the mean streets of O.C., the coming changes have sparked some trepidation. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 11 June 2025 The coaches will have their meetings on Thursday, but their feeling was similar to the message coming from SEC coaches, who showed some trepidation over automatic bids and play-in games. — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 29 May 2025 Critics have trepidations Critics say the White House moves could compromise safety and violate legal frameworks such as the Atomic Energy Act. — Matthew Daly, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025 Midway through the week, though, some trepidation entered investor sentiment, as the 10-year hovered around the key 4.5% level. — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for trepidation

Word History

Etymology

Latin trepidation-, trepidatio, from trepidare to tremble, from trepidus agitated; probably akin to Old English thrafian to urge, push, Greek trapein to press grapes

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of trepidation was in 1605

Rhymes for trepidation

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Browse Nearby Words

trepidate
trepidation
trepidatious
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Cite this Entry

“Trepidation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trepidation. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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Kids Definition

trepidation

noun
trep·​i·​da·​tion ˌtrep-ə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce trepidation (audio)
: a state of alarm or nervousness
approached the abandoned house with trepidation

More from Merriam-Webster on trepidation

Nglish: Translation of trepidation for Spanish Speakers

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