Definition

1. Adjective:
   • In a state of constant fear and anxiety: Describes a person's appearance or demeanor as being visibly and continuously frightened, worried, or apprehensive.
   • Trembling with fear: Suggests a physical manifestation of fear, such as shaking or being on edge due to worry.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cậu bé cứ nắm nắm nớp nớp sau khi xem bộ phim kinh dị. (The boy was in a constant state of fear after watching the horror movie.)
  • Nghe tin đồn, mọi người trong làng sống nắm nắm nớp nớp. (Hearing the rumors, everyone in the village lived in a state of continuous apprehension.)

Advanced Usage

• This is a reduplicative compound word, formed by repeating and altering syllables ("nắm" and "nớp"). This structure intensifies the meaning, emphasizing a persistent and uneasy state of fear.

Variants and Related Words

• Nơm nớp (adj): A more common variant with the same meaning of being in a state of fear and dread.
  • Cô ấy nơm nớp lo sợ khi đi một mình trong đêm. (She was filled with trepidation walking alone at night.)

Synonyms

• Fearful: Feeling afraid; showing fear or anxiety.
• Apprehensive: Anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
• Tremulous: Shaking or quivering slightly, often due to nervousness or fear.

Related Idioms

• Sống trong nơm nớp lo âu: To live in constant fear and anxiety.
  • Người dân sống trong nơm nớp lo âu vì tội phạm. (The people live in constant fear because of the crime.)