trepidation

noun

trep·​i·​da·​tion ˌtre-pə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: a nervous or fearful feeling of uncertain agitation : apprehension

trepidation about starting a new job

2

archaic : a tremulous motion : tremor

Did you know?

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." (Trepidare also gave English the verb trepidate, meaning "to feel nervous or apprehensive," but that word is now considered archaic.) Early meanings of trepidation, such as "tremulous motion" or "tremor," reflect its "shaky" origins. Over time, however, those senses gave way to our modern meaning referring to fearful hesitancy.

Synonyms

• fear
• anxiety
• fearfulness
• dread

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

This is a story of gold and computer servers. Of Switzerland and Taiwan, Europe and Asia, the past and the future, a story of trepidation and optimism, and, in both cases, of air cargo. —Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025

From grandmothers who’ve made it for countless birthdays and potlucks to professional pastry chefs and celebrated cookbook authors, most Southerners approach this beloved yet confidence-shaking dessert with a sense of trepidation. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025

The developments come amid a significant measure of trepidation on the continent that Trump is pressing Ukraine to make concessions that will only further embolden Putin after the U.S. leader hosted the Russian president for an Alaska summit last week. —Samya Kullab, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025

Tottenham Hotspur won their first silverware in 17 years less than three months ago, but there is a growing sense of trepidation around the new season, which kicks off at home against promoted Burnley on Saturday. —Jay Harris, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for trepidation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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Kids Definition

trepidation

noun

trep·​i·​da·​tion ˌtrep-ə-ˈdā-shən 

: a state of alarm or nervousness

approached the abandoned house with trepidation