nerves
Definition
Noun 1. Control of your emotions; steadiness, courage, or coolness in a demanding situation. Refers to the ability to remain calm and not become frightened, anxious, or angry. 2. An uneasy psychological state; a feeling of nervousness, anxiety, or agitation. Refers to a temporary condition of emotional strain or tension.
Usage and Examples
Referring to emotional control or the lack thereof:
- You need steady nerves to be a bomb disposal expert.
- His nerves finally failed him during the final interview question.
- "This constant noise is bad for my nerves," she complained.
Referring to a state of nervousness:
- She had a bad case of nerves before her big presentation.
- He was suffering from nerves on the morning of his wedding.
- I get nerves every time I have to speak in public.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- The word is almost always used in the plural form "nerves" for these psychological meanings. The singular "a nerve" typically refers to a biological fiber in the body (e.g., ) or to boldness or impudence (e.g., ).
- "To get on someone's nerves" is a common idiom meaning to irritate or annoy someone persistently.
- That tapping sound is really starting to get on my nerves.
- The phrase "a battle/war of nerves" describes a situation where people try to win by making their opponents lose confidence or become nervous.
Variants and Related Words
- Nerve (noun, singular): 1. A bundle of fibers that transmits impulses in the body. 2. Impudent boldness; audacity (e.g., ).
- Nervous (adjective): Easily agitated or alarmed; anxious.
- Nervy (adjective, informal): 1. Nervous, anxious. 2. Showing impudent boldness.
- Unnerve (verb): To make someone lose courage or confidence.
Synonyms
- For emotional control: composure, steadiness, cool (informal), poise.
- For an uneasy state: anxiety, jitters (informal), tension, apprehension, butterflies (in one's stomach) (informal).
Idioms and Fixed Phrases
- Get on someone's nerves: To irritate or annoy someone.
- Have nerves of steel: To be exceptionally brave and calm in dangerous or difficult situations.
- Live on one's nerves: To live in a state of constant anxiety or tension.
- A battle/war of nerves: A conflict or competition where psychological pressure is used to defeat an opponent.
- Be a bundle of nerves: To be extremely nervous and tense.
Noun
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control of your emotions
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this kind of tension is not good for my nerves
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an uneasy psychological state
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he suffered an attack of nerves
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