The word "angstridden" is spelled with two separate words combined into one. "Angst" refers to a feeling of anxiety or dread, while "ridden" means burdened or overwhelmed. The pronunciation of "angst" is "/æŋst/", with the first vowel sound like "a" in "cat" and the "ng" sound like in "sing." "Ridden" is pronounced "/ˈrɪdn/", with the "i" sound like "eye" and the "d" pronounced at the end. Therefore, "angstridden" is pronounced "/ˈæŋstˌrɪdn/".
Angstridden is an adjective that refers to being filled with anguish, distress, or deep emotional turmoil. The term combines "angst," which means a feeling of anxiety or existential dread, with "ridden," signifying being burdened or consumed by something. This compound word encapsulates the profound sense of suffering or torment one experiences on an emotional level.
Angstridden commonly describes a person who is overwhelmed by mental or emotional anguish. The individual might be mentally tormented, grieving, or struggling with inner conflicts. Their distress could arise from various sources such as personal circumstances, traumatic events, or existential concerns. The prefix "angst-" underscores the severity and often internal nature of the distress, while "ridden" emphasizes its domination over their day-to-day life.
This term can also be applied more broadly to describe situations, works of art, or literary compositions that evoke a strong sense of emotional turmoil or unease. For instance, a story that deeply explores complex human emotions and psychological struggles may be described as angstridden.
In essence, angstridden denotes being immersed in profound emotional pain, distress, or inner turmoil. It signifies a state of extreme psychological suffering that can either describe an individual's experience or portray a depiction of intense emotional unease within creative works.
The word "angstridden" is a combination of two words: "angst" and "ridden".
1. "Angst": This term comes from German, specifically from the word "Angst", which means "fear" or "anxiety". It originated in the late 19th century and was popularized by German existentialist philosophers such as Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche. In the context of psychology and literary analysis, "angst" refers to a deep feeling of dread, anxiety, or existential anguish.
2. "Ridden": The word "ridden" is the past participle of the verb "ride". In this case, it is used in a figurative sense to indicate that someone or something is overwhelmed or burdened by a particular quality. It is similar to being "plagued" or "tormented" by something.