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Definition of trepidation

trepidation

/ˌtrɛp.ɪˈdeɪ.ʃən/
trep · i · da · tion
Plural:trepidations
•
Adjective:trepidatious
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trepidation Lexical Profile

trepidation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A feeling of fear, anxiety, or agitation about something that may happen.

Example

"She approached the podium with some trepidation before delivering her keynote address."

2

An involuntary trembling, quivering, or vibratory motion (archaic or literary).

Example

"The sudden roar of thunder caused a slight trepidation in the windowpanes."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for trepidation

• Nearby Words

trendspotting
trendy
trent
trepidation
trepidatious
tres
tres cruces

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Latin trepidationem ('agitation, alarm, trembling'), from the verb trepidare ('to tremble, hurry anxiously'), derived from trepidus ('alarmed, agitated'). In English, it originally referred to a physical trembling motion before shifting to emotional apprehension.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Trepidation. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/trepidation
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