anticipatory anxiety.

Anxiety focused on an event or experience that has not yet happened.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• anticipatory anxiety before surgery
• manage anticipatory anxiety
• a cycle of anticipatory anxiety

On the page

Her anticipatory anxiety peaked the night before the flight.

Knowing the interview format reduced his anticipatory anxiety.

The treatment session itself was easier than the anticipatory anxiety that preceded it.

Usage notes

Primary category: fear. Useful for worry that starts before a feared situation; not a stand-alone diagnosis and not always disproportionate. Usually uncountable in this sense.