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nerve-wracking. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
nerve-wracking, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
nerve-wracking in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Etymology
1867,[1] following earlier nerve-racking (1812).
Adjective
nerve-wracking (comparative more nerve-wracking, superlative most nerve-wracking)
- (proscribed) Alternative form of nerve-racking
1867 June, “Marriage Sermons and Serenades”, in The Guardian, page 172:To thrust this grating, screeching, nerve wracking, heart-rending, worse than Pandemonial howling, upon such an occasion, is the climax of cruelty.
1960 June, Cecil J. Allen, “Locomotive Running Past and Present”, in Trains Illustrated, page 368:One could hardly commend any of these nerve-wracking exploits; [...].
Usage notes
Etymologically incorrect, but in common use;[2] strict usage prefers original nerve-racking. See usage notes for rack for details.
References
Further reading