Trepidation – Terrible fear of something that may happen

(Pronounced trep-i-dey-shuhn)

To remember the definition of the word trepidation, use the following mnemonic:

The intrepid explorer reached her destination (trepidation) but had a terrible fear that something was about to happen.

Examples of trepidation in a sentence

He shook with trepidation as he crossed the rickety bridge. 

She showed no signs of trepidation as she climbed the sheer cliff face.

He only travelled by plane when absolutely necessary, he couldn't stand the overwhelming sense of trepidation it gave him.