αγχώνομαι
Lemma: αγχώνομαι
Translation: to worry; to be anxious; to stress; to fret; to be concerned (verb)
Etymology: From ancient Greek ἄγχω (ancho) meaning 'to squeeze, strangle, choke'. The connection to modern anxiety comes from the physical sensation of tightness in the throat or chest when worried. Related to English 'anxiety' through Latin 'anxius' from the same root. The reflexive form emphasizes the internal, self-directed nature of worry.
Mnemonics
- Think 'anchor' - worry weighs you down like an anchor
- The 'anch-' sound is like 'anxiety' in English
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Very commonly used in modern Greek to express everyday stress and anxiety. Often used in casual conversation about work, studies, or personal concerns. Greeks tend to be quite open about discussing their worries.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Both mean 'to worry' but αγχώνομαι implies more intense, stress-related anxiety while ανησυχώ is milder concern or uneasiness
Confused word:
Ανησυχώ για την υγεία του.
I'm concerned about his health.
Notes: αγχώνομαι often involves physical symptoms of stress, while ανησυχώ is more mental concern
Mnemonic: αγχώνομαι = anxiety (intense), ανησυχώ = unease (mild)