nerve

noun
UK: /nɜːv/
US: /nɝːv/

  1. A fiber in the body that sends messages to the brain.

    1. The doctor tested the nerve in my leg. [ ] [ ]
    2. Damage to the optic nerve can affect your vision significantly. [ ] [ ]

  2. Courage or the ability to control your fear in a dangerous or difficult situation.

    1. It took a lot of nerve to stand up to him. [ ] [ ]
    2. She showed great nerve during the hostage situation. [ ] [ ]

  3. Rude boldness or impudence.

    1. He had the nerve to ask for more money. [ ] [ ]
    2. I can't believe he had the nerve to say that to her face. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

courage bravery audacity fiber
nerve verb

  1. To prepare or strengthen oneself to face something difficult or unpleasant.

    1. I need to nerve myself before the meeting. [ ] [ ]
    2. She had to nerve herself to tell him the bad news. [ ] [ ]
nerve phrasal-verb

  1. To summon all your courage

    1. I need to nerve myself up before the meeting. [ ] [ ]
    2. She needed to nerve herself up to ask for a promotion. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "nerve" in English means: A fiber in the body that sends messages to the brain., Courage or the ability to control your fear in a dangerous or difficult situation., Rude boldness or impudence..

The phonetic transcription of "nerve" is /nɜːv/ in British English and /nɝːv/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "nerve": courage, bravery, audacity, fiber.

Example usage of "nerve": "The doctor tested the nerve in my leg.". More examples on the page.