angst etymology

Etymology

The word "angst" is derived from the German word "Angst," which has been in use since the 18th century. It is thought to originate from the Indo-European root "angh-," which means "to choke."

Meaning

Angst is a term used to describe a deep sense of anxiety, fear, and unease. It is often associated with existential concerns, such as the meaninglessness of life, or with personal feelings of inadequacy or insecurity.

Origin

The concept of angst has been explored in philosophy and literature for centuries. In the 19th century, Søren Kierkegaard, the Danish existentialist philosopher, wrote extensively about angst, which he saw as an essential part of the human experience.

In the 20th century, angst became a prominent theme in existentialist literature, particularly in the works of authors such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus. These writers used the term to describe the sense of alienation and despair that many individuals felt in the aftermath of the two World Wars.

Usage

Today, the term "angst" continues to be used to describe a wide range of anxious and uneasy feelings. It is often used in a more colloquial sense to refer to everyday worries and stresses, but it can also be used to describe more profound existential concerns.

angst relate terms

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