disquietude

Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary Jump to: navigation, search WOTD - 9 February 2010

Contents

English

Etymology

From dis- +‎ quietude.

Pronunciation

Noun

disquietude (usually uncountable; plural disquietudes)

  1. (uncountable) A state of disquiet, uneasiness, or anxiety.
    • 1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, Book V, chapter viii:
      […] but Mr Blifil said, he had received such positive and repeated orders from his uncle, never to keep any secret from him for fear of the disquietude which it might give him, that he durst not think of disobedience, whatever might be the consequence.
    • 1795, "The Life of John Bunyan," in the Collins Clear-Type Press ed. of The Pilgrim's Progress, p. xiv:
      He was at length called forth, and set apart by fasting and prayer to the ministerial office, which he executed with faithfulness and success during a long course of years; though frequently with the greatest trepidation and inward disquietude.
  2. (countable) A fear or an instance of uneasiness.
    • 1813, Laurence Sterne, The works of Laurence Sterne: with a life of the author, Volume 2, page 347:
      The cares and disquietudes of the marriage-state, quoth Mrs. Wadman, are very great.

 

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