nerve-wracking

See also: nervewracking

English

Etymology

1867,[1] following earlier nerve-racking (1812).

Adjective

nerve-wracking (comparative more nerve-wracking, superlative most nerve-wracking)

  1. (proscribed) Alternative form of nerve-racking
    • 1867 June 1, “Marriage Sermons and Serenades”, in The Guardian‎, page 172:
      To thrust this grating, screeching, nerve wracking, heart-rending, worse than Pandemonial howling, upon such an occasion, is the climax of cruelty.

Usage notes

Etymologically incorrect, but in common use; strict usage prefers original nerve-racking. See usage notes for rack for details.

References
  1. “nerve-wracking” in Douglas Harper, Online Etymology Dictionary, 2001–2019.
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