ängstigkeit
ängstigkeit is a German noun derived from the verb ängstigen, meaning “to frighten” or “to fear.” It is commonly translated into English as “anxiety,” “fearfulness,” or “timidity.” The term encapsulates both an emotional (psychological) state and an observable demeanor characterized by apprehensive or cautious behavior. Historically, ängstigkeit has been used in medical literature since the 18th century, appearing in treatises on melancholia and nervous disorders. The root “ängst-” relates to the Old High German *ängurst* and is connected to the ancient Indo-European root *h1engʰ-*, denoting fear or fright.
In contemporary psychology, ängstigkeit is understood as a spectrum ranging from mild nervous tension to clinical
The concept is also reflected in literature, poetry, and film, often symbolizing the human confrontation with
Related terms include Angst, Nervosität, und Ängstlichkeit. For a broader context, see Anxiety disorders and German