WORRIED STIFF Meaning and
Definition
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"Worried stiff" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a state of extreme anxiety or fear. When someone is "worried stiff," it implies that they are so consumed by worry or concern that they feel physically paralyzed or unable to take action.
The phrase combines the word "worried," which refers to a state of mental distress or unease, and "stiff," which can be understood as an inability to move or act. This expression emphasizes the intensity of the person's worries, suggesting that they are so overwhelmed that it affects their physical wellbeing.
When an individual is "worried stiff," they may feel their heart beating rapidly, experience muscle tension, or exhibit signs of restlessness. This heightened state of emotional distress immobilizes them, often preventing them from engaging in everyday activities or making rational decisions.
This expression is figurative and is meant to emphasize the severity of their anxiety rather than describe an actual physical incapacity. However, it captures the essence of feeling completely helpless and being mentally consumed by worries.
"Worried stiff" is commonly used in informal or colloquial contexts to convey the extent to which someone is bothered, anxious, or troubled by a particular situation, event, or outcome. It underscores the debilitating impact that excessive worry can have on an individual's mental and physical state.
Common Misspellings for WORRIED STIFF
- qorried stiff
- aorried stiff
- sorried stiff
- eorried stiff
- 3orried stiff
- 2orried stiff
- wirried stiff
- wkrried stiff
- wlrried stiff
- wprried stiff
- w0rried stiff
- w9rried stiff
- woeried stiff
- wodried stiff
- wofried stiff
- wotried stiff
- wo5ried stiff
- wo4ried stiff
- woreied stiff
- wordied stiff
Etymology of WORRIED STIFF
The phrase "worried stiff" is an idiomatic expression used to describe extreme worry or anxiety.
The etymology of this phrase can be broken down as follows:
1. "Worried": The word "worried" originated from the Old English word "wyrgan", which means "to strangle" or "to choke". Over time, the term developed to mean "to feel anxious or troubled".
2. "Stiff": The term "stiff" has various meanings, one of which is "rigid or immobile". This sense of the word can be traced back to the Old English word "stīf".
The phrase "worried stiff" likely came into existence by combining these two words. The inclusion of "stiff" emphasizes the intensity of the worry or anxiety, suggesting a person's inability to move or act due to extreme concern.
