disquietude

From dis- +‎ quietude.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /dɪˈskwaɪə.tjuːd/, /dɪˈskwaɪ.ɪ.tjuːd/

  • Audio (Southern England)

    (file)

• (US) IPA^(key): /dɪˈskwaɪə.tud/, /dɪˈskwaɪ.ɪ.tjud/

disquietude (usually uncountable, plural disquietudes)

1. (uncountable) A state of disquiet, uneasiness, or anxiety.
   • 1711 December 24, Joseph Addison, The Spectator, number 256:

     One would think there should be something wonderfully pleasing in the Possession of Fame, that, notwithstanding all these mortifying Considerations, can engage a Man in so desperate a Pursuit; and yet if we consider the little Happiness that attends a great Character, and the Multitude of Disquietudes to which the Desire of it subjects an ambitious Mind, one would be still the more surprised to see so many restless Candidates for Glory.

   • 1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, volume V, London: A[ndrew] Millar, […], →OCLC, book viii:

     […] but Mr Blifil said, he had received such positive and repeated orders from his uncle, never to keep any secret from him for fear of the disquietude which it might give him, that he durst not think of disobedience, whatever might be the consequence.

   • 1795, "The Life of John Bunyan," in the Collins Clear-Type Press ed. of The Pilgrim's Progress, p. xiv:

     He was at length called forth, and set apart by fasting and prayer to the ministerial office, which he executed with faithfulness and success during a long course of years; though frequently with the greatest trepidation and inward disquietude.

   • 1838, [Letitia Elizabeth] Landon (indicated as editor), chapter XIII, in Duty and Inclination: […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 182:

     For with Rosilia, to the regret of the past and self-accusation, was added the contemplation of a dark futurity, seldom affording a gleam of hope to cheer and solace her disquietude.

2. (countable) A fear or an instance of uneasiness.
   • 1813, Laurence Sterne, The works of Laurence Sterne: with a life of the author, volume 2, page 347:

     The cares and disquietudes of the marriage-state, quoth Mrs. Wadman, are very great.