Apprehension
mediumap-rih-HEN-shun
noun
Definition
Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen
Examples
“He felt apprehension about the upcoming surgery.”
“There was widespread apprehension about the economic crisis.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Apprehension is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "anxiety" or "unease" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "confidence".
Related GRE Words
trepidation
A feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen
ambivalent
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something
contempt
The feeling that a person or thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn
daunt
To make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive
elation
Great happiness and exhilaration
malaise
A general feeling of discomfort, illness, or unease
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