Existential Angst

Existentialism

Existentialism is a family of philosophical views and inquiry that explore the human individual's struggle to lead an authentic life despite the apparent absurdity or incomprehensibility of existence. In examining meaning, purpose, and value, existentialist thought often includes concepts such as existential crises, angst, courage, and the curse and blessing of human freedom.

Angst

Angst is a feeling of anxiety, apprehension, or insecurity. Anguish is its Latinate equivalent, and the words anxious and anxiety are of similar origin.

existential

Adjective

1. Of or relating to existence.

Noun

1. Ellipsis of existential clause (“a clause that indicates the existence of something”).
2. Ellipsis of existential type (“in a type system: a type that hides the underlying concrete type(s)”).

angst

Noun

1. Emotional turmoil; painful sadness; anguish.
2. A feeling of acute but vague anxiety or apprehension often accompanied by depression, especially philosophical anxiety.

Verb

1. To suffer angst; to fret.