nerve

1 of 2

noun

ˈnərv

: sinew, tendon

strain every nerve

: power of endurance or control : fortitude, strength

: assurance, boldness

also : presumptuous audacity : gall

: a sore or sensitive point

her remark touched a nerve

nerves plural : nervous agitation or irritability : nervousness

a case of nerves

: vein sense 2

: the sensitive pulp of a tooth

nerve

2 of 2

verb

nerved; nerving

transitive verb

: to give strength or courage to : supply with physical or moral force

Example Sentences

Noun The optic nerve in the eye allows you to see. a condition affecting the nerves in her arm It takes a lot of nerve to start a new career. He found the nerve to stand up to his boss. I was going to ask her to the dance, but I lost my nerve. You have a lot of nerve to talk to me that way. I can't believe she had the nerve to call me a liar. Verb needs to nerve himself for the big game tomorrow See More

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Ericsson is also a Ganassi driver and Newgarden's crash helped the Swede retain the lead in the IndyCar standings — making Johnson's aggressive racing a bit nerve-racking for the Ganassi camp.

Fox News, 24 July 2022 In the past, annual reviews were often nerve-racking, with employees not knowing what to expect.

Joshua Siler, Forbes, 2 June 2022 The regional round of the OHSAA postseason is nerve-racking.

cleveland, 31 May 2022 After years in a dorm stretching $20 to get through a week, the sudden windfall felt both incredible and nerve-racking.

Emily Bobrow, WSJ, 27 May 2022 The tension in Sara Colangelo's Sundance stunner is more nerve-racking than worrying about getting your name on the board in preschool.

Deanna Janes, Harper's BAZAAR, 16 May 2022 This is both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.

Expert Panel®, Forbes, 11 Aug. 2022 Vulnerability in front of the world may feel nerve-wracking right now.

Chicago Tribune, 3 July 2022 After a nerve-wracking, six-pitch at-bat, Judge drew a walk from Clase.

Ashley Bastock, cleveland, 3 July 2022

Verb

The blast also left him with lung contusions, nerve damage to his left leg, bulged lumbar discs and numerous shrapnel wounds.

Melissa Chan, NBC News, 18 July 2022 Severe cases can lead to nerve damage, paralysis, coma, and death.

Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 6 July 2022 Very rare side effects include blood clots and nerve damage, and these are rarer still.

Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 20 June 2022 Then, in 2017, a skin infection caused permanent tissue and nerve damage to my right leg.

Yesika Salgado, refinery29.com, 22 May 2022 Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial disease that clogs the throat with dead tissue and can inflict severe heart and nerve damage.

Zachary Snowdon Smith, Forbes, 21 Apr. 2022 Endometriosis is a whole-of-body disease in which tissue similar to that which usually lines the uterus grows in other areas of the body and causes pain, nerve damage and organ damage, among many other symptoms.

Lucia Osborne-crowley, refinery29.com, 3 Apr. 2022 Once Jocelyne Bloch, a neurosurgeon at Lausanne University Hospital, implanted the stimulator, the devices were tested and adjusted to account for the variability in spinal cord length, nerve positioning, and other factors.

Isabella Cueto, STAT, 8 Feb. 2022 Australia’s venomous box jellyfish, which releases nerve toxins that by some estimates can kill within one minute.

Elizabeth Hightower Allen, Outside Online, 2 Mar. 2022 See More

Kids Definition

nerve

noun

ˈnərv

: a bundle of nerve fibers that carries messages in the form of nerve impulses to or away from the brain and spinal cord

: courage, boldness

"I've always wanted to do something like that … I just didn't have the nerve."

Jack Gantos, Joey Pigza Loses Control

: rude or disrespectful boldness

You've got a lot of nerve to talk to me that way.

nerves plural : feelings of worry

The groom suffered from nerves before the wedding.

: the sensitive soft inner part of a tooth

Medical Definition

nerve

noun

ˈnərv

: any of the filamentous bands of nervous tissue that connect parts of the nervous system with the other organs, conduct nerve impulses, and are made up of axons and dendrites together with protective and supportive structures and that for the larger nerves have the fibers gathered into funiculi surrounded by a perineurium and the funiculi enclosed in a common epineurium

nerves plural : a state or condition of nervous agitation or irritability

: the sensitive pulp of a tooth

nerve 1 of 2

noun

as in gall

shameless boldness you've got a lot of nerve showing up here

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

gall
audacity
arrogance
confidence
temerity
chutzpah
face
effrontery
brass
assurance
crust
cheek
audaciousness
brashness
hutzpah
brazenness
pertness
cheekiness
presumptuousness
nerviness
presumption
chutzpa
brassiness
sauciness
sauce
hutzpa
disrespect
hardihood
impudence
inconsiderateness
rudeness
cockiness
sanguinity
impertinence
insolence
self-confidence
overconfidence
impoliteness
incivility
back talk
inconsideration
self-assurance
ungraciousness
sass
swagger
discourteousness
swash

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

timidity
shyness
modesty
diffidence
hesitancy
bashfulness
manners
timorousness
gentility
civility
timidness
graciousness
faintheartedness
courtesy
mannerliness
courteousness

as in courage

strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger that daring rescue took some nerve

Synonyms & Similar Words

courage
bravery
courageousness
heroism
gallantry
prowess
heart
daring
guts
valor
fortitude
gumption
fearlessness
hardihood
stoutness
pecker
moxie
gutsiness
virtue
stamina
fiber
backbone
intrepidity
intrepidness
daringness
determination
pluck
bottle
grit
dauntlessness
intestinal fortitude
audacity
stomach
mettle
spunk
gall
endurance
doughtiness
tenacity
temerity
temper
perseverance
greatheartedness
cojones
effrontery
resolution
pluckiness
boldness
cheek
brazenness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cowardice
timidity
weakness
spinelessness
softness
cowardliness
fearfulness
feebleness
timorousness
impotence
cravenness
cold feet
faintheartedness
mousiness
indecision
hesitation
poltroonery
dastardliness
ineffectualness
indecisiveness
irresolution

as in shivers

nerves plural a sense of panic or extreme nervousness a veteran performer who still gets a case of the nerves before performances

Synonyms & Similar Words

shivers
shakes
willies
creeps
butterflies
jitters
hysteria
fear
screaming meemies
heebie-jeebies
anxiety
frazzle
fidgets
cold sweat
jimjams
whim-whams
goose bumps
dither
edginess
nervous breakdown
uneasiness
jumpiness
agitation
skittishness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

composure
calm
equanimity
tranquility
imperturbability
aplomb
tranquillity
self-possession

nerve

2 of 2

verb

as in to brace

to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally needs to nerve himself for the big game tomorrow

Synonyms & Similar Words

brace
fortify
forearm
steel
poise
ready
strengthen
arm
psych (up)
reinforce
comfort
enforce
sustain
bolster
hearten
toughen
buttress
harden
support
rouse
inspire
stir
rally
encourage
reenforce
boost
season
inure
embolden
buoy (up)
prop (up)
cheer (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shake
discourage
unnerve
psych (out)
demoralize
dishearten
daunt
undermine
sap
enervate
soften
weaken
debilitate
dispirit
undercut
tire
prostrate
enfeeble

Synonym Chooser

Some common synonyms of nerve are audacity, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, hardihood, and temerity. While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," nerve, cheek, gall, and chutzpah are informal equivalents for effrontery.

the nerve of that guy

has the cheek to call herself a singer

had the gall to demand proof

the chutzpah needed for a career in show business

The words audacity and nerve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

Although the words effrontery and nerve have much in common, effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

In some situations, the words hardihood and nerve are roughly equivalent. However, hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

The synonyms temerity and nerve are sometimes interchangeable, but temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger.

had the temerity to refuse

单词	nerve
释义	nerve 1 of 2 noun ˈnərv 1 : sinew, tendon strain every nerve 2 : any of the filamentous bands of nervous tissue that connect parts of the nervous system with the other organs, conduct nerve impulses, and are made up of axons and dendrites together with protective and supportive structures 3 a : power of endurance or control : fortitude, strength b : assurance, boldness also : presumptuous audacity : gall 4 a : a sore or sensitive point her remark touched a nerve b nerves plural : nervous agitation or irritability : nervousness a case of nerves 5 : vein sense 2 6 : the sensitive pulp of a tooth nerve 2 of 2 verb nerved; nerving transitive verb : to give strength or courage to : supply with physical or moral force Synonyms Noun audaciousness audacity brashness brass brassiness brazenness cheek cheekiness chutzpah chutzpa hutzpah hutzpa crust effrontery face gall nerviness pertness presumption presumptuousness sauce sauciness temerity Verb brace forearm fortify poise psych (up) ready steel strengthen See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Noun The optic nerve in the eye allows you to see. a condition affecting the nerves in her arm It takes a lot of nerve to start a new career. He found the nerve to stand up to his boss. I was going to ask her to the dance, but I lost my nerve. You have a lot of nerve to talk to me that way. I can't believe she had the nerve to call me a liar. Verb needs to nerve himself for the big game tomorrow See More Recent Examples on the Web Noun Ericsson is also a Ganassi driver and Newgarden's crash helped the Swede retain the lead in the IndyCar standings — making Johnson's aggressive racing a bit nerve-racking for the Ganassi camp. Fox News, 24 July 2022 In the past, annual reviews were often nerve-racking, with employees not knowing what to expect. Joshua Siler, Forbes, 2 June 2022 The regional round of the OHSAA postseason is nerve-racking. cleveland, 31 May 2022 After years in a dorm stretching $20 to get through a week, the sudden windfall felt both incredible and nerve-racking. Emily Bobrow, WSJ, 27 May 2022 The tension in Sara Colangelo's Sundance stunner is more nerve-racking than worrying about getting your name on the board in preschool. Deanna Janes, Harper's BAZAAR, 16 May 2022 This is both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 11 Aug. 2022 Vulnerability in front of the world may feel nerve-wracking right now. Chicago Tribune, 3 July 2022 After a nerve-wracking, six-pitch at-bat, Judge drew a walk from Clase. Ashley Bastock, cleveland, 3 July 2022 Verb The blast also left him with lung contusions, nerve damage to his left leg, bulged lumbar discs and numerous shrapnel wounds. Melissa Chan, NBC News, 18 July 2022 Severe cases can lead to nerve damage, paralysis, coma, and death. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 6 July 2022 Very rare side effects include blood clots and nerve damage, and these are rarer still. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 20 June 2022 Then, in 2017, a skin infection caused permanent tissue and nerve damage to my right leg. Yesika Salgado, refinery29.com, 22 May 2022 Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial disease that clogs the throat with dead tissue and can inflict severe heart and nerve damage. Zachary Snowdon Smith, Forbes, 21 Apr. 2022 Endometriosis is a whole-of-body disease in which tissue similar to that which usually lines the uterus grows in other areas of the body and causes pain, nerve damage and organ damage, among many other symptoms. Lucia Osborne-crowley, refinery29.com, 3 Apr. 2022 Once Jocelyne Bloch, a neurosurgeon at Lausanne University Hospital, implanted the stimulator, the devices were tested and adjusted to account for the variability in spinal cord length, nerve positioning, and other factors. Isabella Cueto, STAT, 8 Feb. 2022 Australia’s venomous box jellyfish, which releases nerve toxins that by some estimates can kill within one minute. Elizabeth Hightower Allen, Outside Online, 2 Mar. 2022 See More Word History Etymology Noun Latin nervus sinew, nerve; akin to Greek neuron sinew, nerve, nēn to spin — more at needle First Known Use Noun 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Verb 1750, in the meaning defined above Phrases Containing nerve mixed nerve cranial nerve auditory nerve nerve center nerve cell nerve agent hypoglossal nerve lose one's nerve hit/strike/touch a nerve median nerve nerve fiber nerve ending nerve growth factor nerve gas nerve net nerve impulse nerve root nerve-racking nerve trunk nerve-wracking ninth cranial nerve olfactory nerve of all the nerve sciatic nerve spinal nerve touch/strike/hit a raw nerve trigeminal nerve trochlear nerve vestibulocochlear nerve abducens nerve accessory nerve oculomotor nerve pinched nerve facial nerve abducent nerve glossopharyngeal nerve nerve cord vagus nerve optic nerve See More mixed nerve cranial nerve auditory nerve nerve center nerve cell nerve agent hypoglossal nerve lose one's nerve hit/strike/touch a nerve median nerve nerve fiber nerve ending nerve growth factor nerve gas nerve net nerve impulse nerve root nerve-racking nerve trunk nerve-wracking ninth cranial nerve olfactory nerve of all the nerve sciatic nerve spinal nerve touch/strike/hit a raw nerve trigeminal nerve trochlear nerve vestibulocochlear nerve abducens nerve accessory nerve oculomotor nerve pinched nerve facial nerve abducent nerve glossopharyngeal nerve nerve cord vagus nerve optic nerve See More Kids Definition nerve noun ˈnərv 1 : a bundle of nerve fibers that carries messages in the form of nerve impulses to or away from the brain and spinal cord 2 : courage, boldness "I've always wanted to do something like that … I just didn't have the nerve." Jack Gantos, Joey Pigza Loses Control 3 : rude or disrespectful boldness You've got a lot of nerve to talk to me that way. 4 nerves plural : feelings of worry The groom suffered from nerves before the wedding. 5 : the sensitive soft inner part of a tooth Medical Definition nerve noun ˈnərv 1 : any of the filamentous bands of nervous tissue that connect parts of the nervous system with the other organs, conduct nerve impulses, and are made up of axons and dendrites together with protective and supportive structures and that for the larger nerves have the fibers gathered into funiculi surrounded by a perineurium and the funiculi enclosed in a common epineurium 2 nerves plural : a state or condition of nervous agitation or irritability 3 : the sensitive pulp of a tooth nerve 1 of 2 noun 1 as in gall shameless boldness you've got a lot of nerve showing up here Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance gall audacity arrogance confidence temerity chutzpah face effrontery brass assurance crust cheek audaciousness brashness hutzpah brazenness pertness cheekiness presumptuousness nerviness presumption chutzpa brassiness sauciness sauce hutzpa disrespect hardihood impudence inconsiderateness rudeness cockiness sanguinity impertinence insolence self-confidence overconfidence impoliteness incivility back talk inconsideration self-assurance ungraciousness sass swagger discourteousness swash Antonyms & Near Antonyms timidity shyness modesty diffidence hesitancy bashfulness manners timorousness gentility civility timidness graciousness faintheartedness courtesy mannerliness courteousness See More 2 as in courage strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger that daring rescue took some nerve Synonyms & Similar Words courage bravery courageousness heroism gallantry prowess heart daring guts valor fortitude gumption fearlessness hardihood stoutness pecker moxie gutsiness virtue stamina fiber backbone intrepidity intrepidness daringness determination pluck bottle grit dauntlessness intestinal fortitude audacity stomach mettle spunk gall endurance doughtiness tenacity temerity temper perseverance greatheartedness cojones effrontery resolution pluckiness boldness cheek brazenness Antonyms & Near Antonyms cowardice timidity weakness spinelessness softness cowardliness fearfulness feebleness timorousness impotence cravenness cold feet faintheartedness mousiness indecision hesitation poltroonery dastardliness ineffectualness indecisiveness irresolution See More 3 as in shivers nerves plural a sense of panic or extreme nervousness a veteran performer who still gets a case of the nerves before performances Synonyms & Similar Words shivers shakes willies creeps butterflies jitters hysteria fear screaming meemies heebie-jeebies anxiety frazzle fidgets cold sweat jimjams whim-whams goose bumps dither edginess nervous breakdown uneasiness jumpiness agitation skittishness Antonyms & Near Antonyms composure calm equanimity tranquility imperturbability aplomb tranquillity self-possession See More nerve 2 of 2 verb as in to brace to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally needs to nerve himself for the big game tomorrow Synonyms & Similar Words brace fortify forearm steel poise ready strengthen arm psych (up) reinforce comfort enforce sustain bolster hearten toughen buttress harden support rouse inspire stir rally encourage reenforce boost season inure embolden buoy (up) prop (up) cheer (up) Antonyms & Near Antonyms shake discourage unnerve psych (out) demoralize dishearten daunt undermine sap enervate soften weaken debilitate dispirit undercut tire prostrate enfeeble See More Synonym Chooser Some common synonyms of nerve are audacity, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, hardihood, and temerity. While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," nerve, cheek, gall, and chutzpah are informal equivalents for effrontery. the nerve of that guy has the cheek to call herself a singer had the gall to demand proof the chutzpah needed for a career in show business The words audacity and nerve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence. an entrepreneur with audacity and vision Although the words effrontery and nerve have much in common, effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy. outraged at his effrontery In some situations, the words hardihood and nerve are roughly equivalent. However, hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance. admired for her hardihood The synonyms temerity and nerve are sometimes interchangeable, but temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger. had the temerity to refuse Phrases Containing nerve nerve center nerve center
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nerve

noun

verb

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Phrases Containing nerve

Kids Definition

noun

Medical Definition

noun

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Phrases Containing nerve