The phrase "make nervous" is spelled with the /eɪ/ diphthong in "make" and the /ɜr/ r-controlled vowel in "nervous". The "a" and "e" letters in "make" combine to create the diphthong sound, while the "er" combination in "nervous" is accented and pronounced with a slight r sound. The spelling of the word "make nervous" accurately captures its pronunciation. This phrase is often used to describe anxiety or unease that is caused by something or someone.
To make nervous is a phrase used to describe the act of causing or inducing a feeling of anxiety, tension, or unease in an individual. It refers to the stimulation of the body's natural stress responses and the resulting psychological and physiological reactions that commonly occur in such situations. When a person is made nervous, they may experience a range of emotions such as fear, apprehension, restlessness, irritability, or a sense of impending danger.
External stimuli, situations, or events that are unfamiliar, threatening, intimidating, or demanding often serve as triggers for making someone nervous. This could include tasks or challenges that are difficult, high-pressure, or involve public speaking, as well as encounters with unfamiliar or potentially hostile individuals. The feeling of being nervous can manifest through various physical symptoms like increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, trembling, difficulty concentrating, or a dry mouth.
The phrase "make nervous" can also be used in a broader sense to refer to anything that unsettles or agitates someone emotionally. This could include events or circumstances that create a general sense of unease or discomfort, without necessarily inducing anxiety or stress responses. Overall, to make nervous implies the creation of a state of heightened sensitivity and vulnerability, where individuals may experience heightened emotional and physical reactions that interfere with their overall well-being and ability to perform tasks optimally.
The etymology of the phrase "make nervous" can be understood by analyzing the root words individually.
1. "Make": The word "make" has Old English origins, derived from the Old English word "macian", which meant "to form, construct, or build". It evolved over time to its current meaning of "to cause or create".
2. "Nervous": The word "nervous" originated from the Latin term "nervosus", which means "full of nerves". In the late Middle English period, it acquired its modern sense of "easily agitated, anxious, or worried".
When combined, the phrase "make nervous" essentially means to cause someone to feel agitated, anxious, or worried.