angst — A feeling of deep anxiety, dread, or anguish about the human condition or personal situation.
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A feeling of deep anxiety, dread, or anguish about the human condition or personal situation.
Pronunciation (IPA): /æŋst/
Example Sentences
- My cat seems to have existential angst every time I open a can of tuna but give it to the neighbor's cat.
- College students often experience angst about choosing the right major.
- The novelist captured the angst of modern urban life in her latest book.
angst
NOUN[/æŋst/]
A feeling of deep anxiety, dread, or anguish about the human condition or personal situation.
While his friends laughed outside, the teenager sat alone in his dark room, consumed by deep angst about his future.
ANG(anger) + ST(student) — filled with dark ANG(anger), the ST(student) sat in the rain, overwhelmed by his heavy teenage angst.
Watching the heavy clock that hangs, the young man felt sudden stomach pangs, completely consumed by deep angst.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From German 'Angst' meaning anxiety or fear, borrowed directly into English in the early 20th century. The word gained popularity through existentialist philosophy and psychology, particularly describing deep existential dread.
Breakdown
angst (German root meaning 'anxiety, fear, dread') - borrowed as a complete word with no English affixes
🎵Rhyme
📝Examples
“My cat seems to have existential angst every time I open a can of tuna but give it to the neighbor's cat.”
“College students often experience angst about choosing the right major.”
“The novelist captured the angst of modern urban life in her latest book.”
“His angst about climate change kept him awake at night.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.