nerve-wracking
From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
See also: nervewracking
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
- 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
- Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “nerve-wracking”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.
Further reading
- “nerve-wracking”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.
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