WordGarden.iotwitchy
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /twˈɪtʃi/
US
- /ˈtwɪˌtʃi/
Meanings
Adjective
nervous, jumpy, or easily agitated
showing small involuntary twitches or physical shakiness
moving or reacting in quick, jerky, overresponsive ways
Beyond the definition
Imagine a small animal that jumps at every sound - that is often the feeling this word describes. It usually means someone is nervous, jumpy, or restless, like they cannot sit still. A person might feel this way after too much caffeine or while waiting for bad news. It can also describe small, quick muscle movements, like an eye that keeps moving a little. Think of a tightly wound spring ready to snap - that is the kind of feeling this word suggests.
"Twitchy" is a descriptive word for a state of nervousness, restlessness, or physical jumpiness. It often describes someone who is easily startled, on edge, or unable to relax. If you are waiting for an important phone call and keep checking your phone, pacing the floor, and reacting to every little sound, this word would fit that feeling well.
The word also suggests quick, small, often involuntary movements, such as fidgeting or slight muscle spasms. That is why it can describe both an emotional state and a physical one. Someone may seem this way because they are anxious about a test, stressed before a meeting, or overexcited after too much caffeine. It can also be used literally for a body part, as in an eyelid that keeps moving a little.
It is not always strongly negative. Sometimes it simply means a person has a lot of energy and finds it hard to stay still, especially a child. In other situations, though, it can hint at anxiety, stress, fear, or the effects of withdrawal.
So whether it is about a nervous habit, a small physical movement, or a general feeling of being on edge, "twitchy" gives the picture of someone unsettled, alert, and not fully at ease.
Examples
- 1
Animal reaction
The dog gets twitchy whenever strangers come to the door.
- 2
Job interview
I always feel a little twitchy before a job interview.
- 3
Fear of flying
He's still twitchy about flying after last year's rough landing.
- Patterntwitchy about + worry
nervous or uncomfortable about it
- 4
Delayed travel
The crowd grew twitchy when the train was delayed again.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Financial markets
Investors were twitchy ahead of the central bank's announcement.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- twitchy