Meaning of worry in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈwəri/

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   UK accent

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1. Verb

   worry

   Etymology

   Old English wyrgan ‘strangle’, of West Germanic origin. In Middle English the original sense of the verb gave rise to the meaning ‘seize by the throat and tear’, later figuratively ‘harass’, whence ‘cause anxiety to’ (early 19th century, the date also of the noun)

   Definitions

   1. be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy

   Examples

   • « I worry about my job »
2. 2. be concerned with

   Examples

   • « I worry about my grades »
3. 3. disturb the peace of mind of

   Examples

   • « afflict with mental agitation or distress »
   • « I cannot sleep--my daughter's health is worrying me »

   Antonyms

   • reassure
   • assure
4. 4. be on the mind of

   Examples

   • « I worry about the second Germanic consonant »
5. 5. lacerate by biting

   Examples

   • « the dog worried his bone »
6. 6. touch or rub constantly

   Examples

   • « The old man worried his beads »

7. Noun

   worry

   Definitions

   1. something or someone that causes anxiety

   Examples

   • « a source of unhappiness »
   • « New York traffic is a constant concern »
   • « it's a major worry »
8. 2. a strong feeling of anxiety

   Examples

   • « his worry over the prospect of being fired »
   • « it is not work but worry that kills »
   • « he wanted to die and end his troubles »