trepidation
UK: /ˌtrep.ɪˈdeɪ.ʃən/ | US: /ˌtrep.əˈdeɪ.ʃən/
n. a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen
n. trembling or quivering movement (archaic)
Derived from Latin trepidatio ("trembling, alarm"), from trepidare ("to tremble, hurry"). The root trepid- conveys agitation or nervous movement, while -ation forms abstract nouns. Originally describing physical trembling (e.g., in battle), it evolved metaphorically to describe emotional unease.
She felt a surge of trepidation before her first public speech.
The dark alley filled him with quiet trepidation.
His voice betrayed no trepidation despite the danger.
Ancient soldiers interpreted earthquakes as signs of divine trepidation.
The trepidation in her hands made it hard to hold the glass steady.