Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

tenterhook

noun
/ˈtɛntərˌhʊk/
Definition
A state of nervous anxiety or anticipation.
Examples
  • She was on tenterhooks waiting for the job interview results.
  • He kept glancing at his phone, on tenterhooks for any news from his friend.
Meaning
To be on tenterhooks means to be in a state of excitement or unease while waiting for something to happen.
Synonyms
  • anxiety
  • apprehension
  • nervousness
  • tension
  • unease