noun
jitters
JIT-erz/ˈdʒɪtərz/
A feeling of nervous, shaky unease.
She gets the jitters whenever she speaks to a large crowd.
Etymology
The word names extreme nervousness and may be an alteration of dialectal chitter, “to tremble or shiver.” If so, the connection is between bodily shaking and anxious feelings.
In context
… a deep sense of jitters that would keep me twitching made sleep nearly impossible …
More examples
- A short walk helps calm my jitters before an interview.
- Too much coffee gives him the jitters.
- Even experienced performers can have opening-night jitters.
Forms
jitters
jittery adjective — Nervous, shaky, and unable to relax.
Similar words
- nervousness
- Names general unease without necessarily suggesting shaking or trembling.
- butterflies
- Suggests a fluttering stomach from nervous excitement or anticipation.