apprehension
n. C / Un. a feeling of worry or fear about something that might happen in the future. It is that nervous sensation you get when you are not sure if a situation will turn out well.
n. anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen. Often implies a state of nervous anticipation regarding a future event.
She felt a sense of apprehension before her big exam.
Despite the positive economic reports, there was a growing sense of apprehension among investors about the upcoming election.
The protagonist's deep-seated apprehension regarding the voyage is mirrored by the darkening skies and the increasingly turbulent waters described in the opening chapter.
Borrowed from Latin apprehensio, apprehensionis, compare with French appréhension. See apprehend.
Uncountable when referring to the general feeling of anxiety; countable when referring to specific instances or fears.