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angst

noun

/aŋst/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of angst

A profound feeling of anxiety, dread, or inner turmoil often accompanied by a sense of existential unease or apprehension.
"He was left in a terrible state of angst when his parents decided to separate."

Detailed meaning of angst

It represents a deep and often abstract emotional distress that can arise from contemplating life's uncertainties, the human condition, or one's place in the world. Angst is typically marked by feelings of restlessness, fear, or an overwhelming sense of existential dread. This term is often associated with philosophical and literary contexts, where it reflects the profound inner struggles and uncertainties that individuals may grapple with in their quest for meaning and identity. Angst captures the complex emotional and psychological dimensions of the human experience, highlighting the challenges and uncertainties that can accompany self-reflection and existential contemplation.

Example sentences containing angst

1. She couldn't shake the existential angst that kept her awake at night.
2. The teenage years are often characterized by a sense of angst.
3. The uncertainty of the future filled him with existential angst.
4. A feeling of angst washed over her as the deadline approached.
5. He channeled his creative energy into music to cope with his angst.
6. The character in the novel grappled with a deep sense of angst.

History and etymology of angst

The noun 'angst' originates from the German word 'Angst,' which dates back to the 19th century. It was first introduced into English in the early 20th century, primarily through the works of existentialist philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche. 'Angst' encapsulates a profound sense of anxiety and inner turmoil, often accompanied by existential unease. Its etymology reflects the universal human experience of grappling with the complexities of existence, making it a concept deeply embedded in both language and the human psyche.

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Further usage examples of angst

1. The film captured the essence of teenage angst and rebellion.
2. The artist's work expressed the existential angst of modern life.
3. Meditation helped him manage his inner turmoil and angst.
4. A sense of existential angst can be a driving force for change.
5. The therapy sessions aimed to address her deep-seated angst.
6. They bonded over shared experiences of adolescent angst.
7. The angsty lyrics of the song resonated with many listeners.
8. Her art was a reflection of the inner angst she couldn't articulate.
9. The character's journey was a quest to overcome his inner angst.
10. Her concerns were nothing compared to her parents' angst and distress.
11. A strange existential angst swept accross the nation.
12. Angst swept accross the trading floor as stocks plummeted.
13. His angst was made worse with incessant personal introspection.
14. He couldn't shake the feeling of angst that had settled over him after the break-up.
15. The patient was suffering from severe anxiety and angst as a result of their phobia.
16. The prospect of failing the exam filled her with angst and dread.
17. The young artist was consumed by feelings of existential angst as she tried to find her place in the world.
18. The soldier struggled with PTSD and the accompanying feelings of guilt, angst, and despair.
19. The horror movie left her with a sense of lingering angst that kept her awake all night.
20. The decision to leave her comfortable job and start her own business filled her with angst and uncertainty.
21. The teenager's acne and awkwardness made her feel like an outcast, causing her to experience intense feelings of angst and self-consciousness.
22. The political climate of the country filled the citizens with a sense of collective angst as they worried about the future.
23. She couldn't understand why she was feeling such intense feelings of angst and sadness, even though everything in her life seemed to be going well.
24. The loss of his beloved pet left him feeling empty and consumed by feelings of grief and angst.
25. The uncertainty of the future filled him with a sense of deep-seated angst that he couldn't shake.