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angoisser

A2 verb #8,000 most common 12 min read

angoisser

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips angoisser in 30 Seconds

Explanation angoisser in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting your journey with French. The verb 'angoisser' might seem a bit advanced, but you will encounter its cousin, the adjective 'angoissé' (anxious) or 'angoissante' (scary/anxiety-inducing), very early on. At this stage, think of 'angoisser' as a stronger version of 'to be afraid' (avoir peur). You might use it in very simple sentences to describe how you feel about big events. For example, 'L'examen m'angoisse' (The exam makes me anxious). You don't need to worry about complex tenses yet; just focus on the present tense. Remember that it's a regular '-er' verb, so it conjugates just like 'parler' or 'habiter'. If you want to say you are feeling this way, you can say 'Je suis angoissé' (for a boy) or 'Je suis angoissée' (for a girl). It's a useful word to have when 'avoir peur' doesn't quite capture the feeling of being nervous about something important like a test or a new school. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you express your emotions more clearly to your teacher or friends. You might also hear it in simple stories or cartoons where a character is very worried about something. Just remember: 'angoisser' is the action (to make someone anxious) and 'être angoissé' is the feeling (to be anxious). Try to practice by saying what makes you a little bit nervous in French!

As an A2 learner, you're building more complex sentences and starting to talk about your feelings in more detail. 'Angoisser' becomes a very useful verb for you. You can now use it in the transitive form to explain what is causing your stress. For example, 'Le noir m'angoisse' (The dark makes me anxious) or 'Parler français m'angoisse un peu' (Speaking French makes me a bit anxious). You're also learning the passé composé, so you can describe past feelings: 'Le film m'a angoissé' (The movie made me anxious). This is also the level where you should start using the reflexive form 's'angoisser'. You can tell a friend, 'Ne t'angoisse pas !' (Don't worry/get anxious!). This is a very common way to comfort someone. You'll notice that 's'angoisser' is often followed by 'pour' (for) or 'de' (of/about). For instance, 'Il s'angoisse pour ses notes' (He gets anxious about his grades). At A2, you should be able to distinguish between 'angoisser' and 'stresser'. Use 'stresser' for things like being late or having too much homework, and 'angoisser' for things that feel a bit more scary or deep inside you. It's all about adding nuance to your French! You'll hear this word in classroom discussions, simple news reports, and when people talk about their daily lives and challenges.

At the B1 level, you are becoming an independent user of French. You can handle most everyday situations and express your opinions and emotions with more subtlety. 'Angoisser' is a key verb for discussing mental health, personal challenges, and future plans—all common B1 topics. You should now be comfortable using 'angoisser' in various tenses, including the imparfait for descriptions ('Quand j'étais petit, l'orage m'angoissait') and the conditionnel for hypothetical situations ('Cela m'angoisserait de vivre seul'). You will also start to see 'angoisser' used in more abstract ways. For example, you might talk about 'une ambiance angoissante' (an anxiety-inducing atmosphere) in a book or movie. This level requires you to understand the difference between 's'angoisser' and other verbs like 'se tracasser' or 'se faire du souci'. While they all mean 'to worry,' 's'angoisser' implies a stronger, more physical reaction. You might also use it to discuss social issues: 'La situation économique angoisse beaucoup de gens.' You are now expected to use the correct prepositions consistently, such as 's'angoisser à l'idée de...' (to get anxious at the thought of...). This shows you can link complex ideas together. You'll hear 'angoisser' in podcasts, more detailed news stories, and in films where characters discuss their motivations and fears. It's a word that adds depth to your conversations and allows you to participate in more meaningful social interactions.

By B2, you are moving towards a high level of fluency. You can understand the main ideas of complex text and interact with native speakers with a degree of spontaneity. 'Angoisser' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it's a tool for nuanced expression. You will use it to describe existential concerns, psychological states, and complex social dynamics. At this level, you should be able to use the subjunctive with expressions that trigger it, like 'Il est possible que cela l'angoisse' or 'Je ne veux pas que tu t'angoisses'. You'll also encounter the verb in more formal or literary contexts. For example, you might read about a character who is 'taraudé par l'angoisse' (gnawed at by anxiety), where 'angoisse' is the noun but the concept is central. You should be able to discuss the nuances between 'angoisser' and 'oppresser' or 'tourmenter'. You might use 'angoisser' to critique a piece of art or literature, explaining how the author uses 'des éléments angoissants' to create tension. In professional settings, you might use it to describe the impact of a major change on a team: 'Ce projet de fusion angoisse les employés.' At B2, you should also be aware of the noun form 'une angoisse' and how it is used in common expressions like 'avoir une boule au ventre' (to have a knot in one's stomach) which is the physical manifestation of being 'angoissé'. You'll hear this word in debates, sophisticated films, and read it in editorials and contemporary literature.

As a C1 learner, you have a vast lexical repertoire and can express yourself fluently and spontaneously. 'Angoisser' becomes part of your sophisticated toolkit for describing the human condition. You will use it to explore philosophical themes, such as the 'angoisse existentielle' (existential dread) discussed by thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre. You should be able to use the verb in very specific, almost poetic ways. For example, 'Le silence des espaces infinis m'angoisse' (The silence of infinite spaces causes me anxiety—a famous Pascalian sentiment). You'll understand the subtle shifts in meaning when 'angoisser' is used in the passive voice vs. the reflexive vs. the transitive. You can also use it to describe societal trends with precision: 'L'ubérisation de l'économie angoisse les travailleurs précaires.' At this level, you are expected to recognize and use the verb in all literary tenses, including the passé simple in written texts. You'll also be able to identify the use of 'angoisser' as a stylistic choice to create a certain 'malaise' or 'tension dramatique' in a text. You should be comfortable discussing the etymology of the word and how its meaning has evolved or remained consistent over centuries of French literature. You will encounter 'angoisser' in academic papers, high-level philosophical discussions, and classic French literature. It is a word that allows you to engage with the deepest parts of French culture and thought.

At the C2 level, you have mastered the French language. You can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. 'Angoisser' is a word you use with complete precision and stylistic flair. You can use it to play with register, perhaps using it ironically in a casual conversation or with profound gravity in a formal speech. You understand all its connotations, including its historical and psychoanalytic associations (e.g., Freud's 'angoisse' vs. 'peur'). You can use the verb to create complex metaphors and personifications. For example, 'L'ombre de la guerre angoissait déjà les esprits les plus lucides' (The shadow of war was already causing anxiety in the most lucid minds). You are aware of how 'angoisser' interacts with other sophisticated vocabulary like 'atrabilaire', 'mélancolie', or 'spleen'. You can write critiques that analyze the 'pouvoir angoissant' of a text or a film. You are also capable of using the verb in its most rare or archaic forms if the context demands it. At this level, 'angoisser' is not just a verb to you; it's a concept that you can manipulate to express the most subtle shades of human emotion and societal pressure. You'll find yourself using it in high-level diplomatic, academic, and literary circles where precision of language is paramount. You are a true master of the word and its place in the French linguistic landscape.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

angoisser in 30 Seconds

Angoisser means to cause deep anxiety or distress. It is stronger than simply worrying and often has a physical component like a tight chest.
It is a regular -er verb. You can use it as 'cela m'angoisse' (that distresses me) or 'je m'angoisse' (I am getting anxious).
Commonly used for exams, health, major life changes, and existential fears. Avoid using it for very minor, trivial everyday problems.
The adjective 'angoissant' means anxiety-inducing/creepy, while 'angoissé' means feeling anxious. Don't mix them up when describing yourself!

The French verb angoisser is a powerful and evocative term that transcends simple worry. At its core, it describes the act of causing deep, often visceral, mental distress or intense anxiety in someone else. While in English we might simply say something 'stresses me out' or 'worries me,' the French term angoisser carries a heavier emotional weight, often implying a physical sensation of constriction—a tightening of the chest or a feeling of being trapped. This stems from its etymological roots related to 'narrowness.' When you use this verb transitively, you are identifying a specific catalyst that triggers a profound state of unease. It is not just about a minor concern; it is about a pervasive sense of dread that can be difficult to shake off.

Transitive Usage: In this form, the subject is the cause of the anxiety, and the object is the person feeling it. For example, 'Cette situation m'angoisse' (This situation causes me great anxiety). Here, the situation is actively exerting a psychological pressure on the speaker.

L'idée de perdre mon emploi commence à m'angoisser sérieusement chaque nuit.

Beyond the transitive use, the pronominal form s'angoisser is extremely common in daily conversation. It shifts the focus to the person experiencing the emotion, describing the process of becoming anxious or 'working oneself up.' When a French speaker says 'Il s'angoisse pour un rien,' they are suggesting that the person is prone to deep anxiety over trivial matters. This distinction is crucial for learners: angoisser quelqu'un is to distress them, while s'angoisser is to feel that distress internally. In the modern French context, while 'stresser' is frequently used for the fast-paced pressures of work or school, angoisser remains the preferred term for existential, medical, or deeply personal fears that touch the soul rather than just the schedule.

Pronominal Usage: Reflexive verbs in French often denote an internal change of state. 'Je m'angoisse' implies that the speaker is entering a state of 'angoisse' through their own thoughts or reactions to external stimuli.

Ne t'angoisse pas pour l'examen, tu as très bien révisé tes leçons.

In literature and philosophy, particularly within the French existentialist tradition (think Sartre or Camus), l'angoisse is a central theme. It represents the realization of one's absolute freedom and the overwhelming responsibility that comes with it. Therefore, when you use angoisser, you are tapping into a rich cultural heritage that views anxiety not just as a clinical symptom, but as a fundamental aspect of the human condition. It is a word that demands respect for the intensity of the feeling it describes. Whether you are talking about the 'angoisses' of a parent or the 'angoisse' of a blank page for a writer, the verb serves to elevate the conversation from simple worry to a more significant emotional experience.

Common Contexts: Health, exams, career changes, parenting, and horror movies are all frequent domains where this verb is used to describe the effect of fear or uncertainty on the human mind.

Le silence de la forêt profonde finit par l'angoisser plus que le bruit de la ville.

Mastering the use of angoisser requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility. As a regular '-er' verb, its conjugation follows the standard pattern, making it accessible even for beginners. However, the complexity lies in how it interacts with objects and prepositions. When used transitively, the verb takes a direct object: 'Cela m'angoisse' (That distresses me). Notice how the pronoun 'me' (m') precedes the verb. This structure is the most common way to express that an external factor is causing you anxiety. You can replace 'cela' with any noun: 'Le vide m'angoisse' (The void/heights distresses me).

Transitive Structure: [Subject/Cause] + [Object Pronoun] + [Conjugated 'angoisser']. Example: 'Tes histoires d'horreur m'angoissent.'

Le manque de nouvelles de son fils l'angoissait au plus haut point.

When you switch to the reflexive form, s'angoisser, you frequently need a preposition to link the verb to the cause of the anxiety. The most common preposition used is de or pour. For example, 'Elle s'angoisse de tout' (She gets anxious about everything) or 'Ne t'angoisse pas pour ton avenir' (Don't get anxious about your future). Using 'pour' often implies a specific concern or worry for someone or something, while 'de' can feel slightly more formal or indicative of a general source. It is also common to see 'à l'idée de' (at the idea of) following the verb, which provides a clear conceptual trigger for the anxiety.

Reflexive Structure: [Subject] + [Reflexive Pronoun] + [Conjugated 'angoisser'] + [de/pour] + [Noun/Infinitive]. Example: 'Je m'angoisse de ne pas finir à temps.'

Ils s'angoissent à l'idée de devoir déménager dans une autre ville.

In more complex sentences, angoisser can be used in the passive voice to describe a state of being: 'Il est angoissé par les résultats' (He is distressed by the results). While 'angoissé' functions here as a past participle, it often acts as a pure adjective. This is a very natural way for French speakers to describe their current emotional state. Furthermore, you might encounter the causative construction 'faire angoisser,' although it is less common than the direct transitive use. For instance, 'Tu me fais angoisser' (You are making me feel anxious) emphasizes the active role of the person causing the feeling through their behavior or words.

Passive and Adjectival Use: Using 'être' + 'angoissé' focuses on the result. Example: 'Nous sommes tous angoissés par cette nouvelle.'

Elle semblait très angoissée avant son entretien d'embauche.

In everyday French life, you will hear angoisser used in a variety of social and professional settings. One of the most frequent places is within the family or between close friends. French culture places a high value on discussing one's emotional state, and 'l'angoisse' is a common topic. If a student is preparing for the 'Bac' (the national high school exam), they might tell their parents, 'Ça m'angoisse de ne pas avoir fini le programme.' Here, the word conveys a level of pressure that is deeply felt. It is also common in the workplace, although 'stresser' is often used for minor deadlines. When a project is failing or a company is downsizing, employees will use angoisser to describe the more profound fear of losing their livelihood.

Medical Contexts: Doctors and psychologists use this verb to distinguish between clinical anxiety and general stress. You might hear a doctor ask: 'Qu'est-ce qui vous angoisse précisément ?' (What specifically is causing you anxiety?)

Le médecin lui a demandé si son travail l'angoissait au quotidien.

The world of media—news reports, talk shows, and documentaries—is another place where angoisser is ubiquitous. Journalists often use it to describe the public's reaction to global crises, climate change, or economic instability. Headlines like 'Le réchauffement climatique angoisse les jeunes' (Global warming causes anxiety in young people) are very common. In this context, the verb serves to highlight a collective psychological state. Similarly, in film and literary criticism, you will hear reviewers describe a movie as 'angoissant.' This doesn't just mean it's a horror movie; it means it creates a lingering, psychological tension that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll.

News and Media: Used to describe societal fears. 'La montée des prix angoisse les ménages français' (Rising prices are causing anxiety for French households).

L'incertitude politique angoisse les marchés financiers ce matin.

Finally, you will encounter the verb in the context of 'crises d'angoisse' (panic attacks). When someone says 'J'ai fait une crise d'angoisse,' they are referring to a sudden, overwhelming episode of fear. While the verb itself isn't used there, the noun 'angoisse' is the root. However, people might describe the onset of such an attack by saying 'Je sentais que ça commençait à m'angoisser.' This usage is very personal and intimate. In the arts, particularly in the works of French singer-songwriters (chanson française), themes of being 'angoissé' by time passing or by love are recurrent motifs, showing how the word is woven into the very fabric of French creative expression.

Artistic Expression: Used in lyrics and poetry to express existential dread or the pain of love. It adds a layer of depth and seriousness to the art.

Dans ses chansons, il évoque souvent ce qui l'angoisse la nuit.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using angoisser is confusing it with the English verb 'to anguish.' While they share a common root, 'to anguish' is rarely used as a verb in modern English (we usually say 'to be in anguish' or 'to suffer'). In French, angoisser is a very active, common verb. Another common error is failing to distinguish between the transitive and reflexive forms. Students often say 'Je suis angoissant' when they mean 'I am anxious.' However, 'Je suis angoissant' actually means 'I am anxiety-inducing' or 'I am creepy'—a very different message! To say 'I am anxious,' you should say 'Je suis angoissé' or 'Je m'angoisse.'

Mistaking Adjectives: 'Angoissant' (anxiety-inducing) vs. 'Angoissé' (feeling anxious). Remember: things are angoissants, people are angoissés.

Il ne faut pas dire 'Je suis angoissant' si vous avez simplement peur de l'avion.

Another nuance that learners miss is the over-reliance on 'stresser.' While 'stresser' is perfectly acceptable and very common, using angoisser shows a higher level of vocabulary and a better grasp of emotional nuances. However, don't use angoisser for very minor things. If you can't find your keys, you are 'inquiet' or 'stressé.' If you are worried about the meaning of life or a major surgery, you are 'angoissé.' Using angoisser for trivialities can sometimes sound overly dramatic, unless you are using it ironically or for comedic effect (which French people do, but it requires careful timing).

Tone and Register: Avoid 'angoisser' for minor inconveniences. Use 'inquiéter' or 'tracasser' instead to avoid sounding like a drama queen/king.

Dire 'Le prix du pain m'angoisse' est un peu exagéré dans une conversation normale.

Finally, watch your prepositions! As mentioned before, s'angoisser is usually followed by 'de' or 'pour.' English speakers often try to use 'à propos de' because it translates directly to 'about.' While not strictly 'wrong' in the sense that people will understand you, it sounds clunky and un-French. 'S'angoisser pour l'avenir' is much more natural than 'S'angoisser à propos de l'avenir.' Also, remember that when angoisser is used transitively (to distress someone), it does NOT take a preposition. It's 'Cela m'angoisse,' not 'Cela m'angoisse de moi.' Keeping these small grammatical points in mind will help you sound much more like a native speaker.

Preposition Errors: Don't use 'à propos de' with 's'angoisser'. Stick to 'de' or 'pour'. And remember: no preposition for the transitive form.

Elle s'angoisse pour ses examens, pas 'à propos de' ses examens.

To truly master French, you need to know when to use angoisser versus its many synonyms. Each word carries a slightly different 'flavor' of concern. The most common alternative is inquiéter. This is the standard word for 'to worry.' It is less intense than angoisser and is used for everyday concerns—forgetting an umbrella, being late for a meeting, or a child's grades. If you want to say something is bothering you in a persistent but perhaps less existential way, tracasser is a great choice. It suggests a nagging worry that 'fretting' or 'pestering' your mind.

Inquiéter vs. Angoisser: 'Inquiéter' is for general worry. 'Angoisser' is for deep, visceral anxiety. You 'inquiétez' for a late bus; you 'angoissez' for a life-altering surgery.

Ton retard m'inquiète un peu, mais l'idée que tu sois blessé m'angoisse vraiment.

For more modern or professional contexts, stresser is the go-to verb. It is an anglicism that has been fully integrated into French. It specifically refers to the pressure of time, performance, or external demands. You 'stressez' at work or before a race. However, stresser is often used for things that are manageable, whereas angoisser often feels more overwhelming. If the anxiety is so strong that it causes panic or a loss of control, you might use affoler (to throw into a panic) or alarmer (to alarm). These are more sudden and intense reactions than the often-chronic feeling of angoisse.

Stresser vs. Angoisser: 'Stresser' is often about deadlines and performance. 'Angoisser' is about the internal feeling of dread or fear. You can be 'stressé' without being 'angoissé'.

Le travail me stresse, mais l'avenir de la planète m'angoisse.

In a more literary or dramatic register, you might encounter tourmenter (to torment) or tarauder (to gnaw at). Tourmenter implies a continuous suffering, often caused by guilt or a difficult decision. Tarauder is used specifically for an idea or a question that won't leave you alone, like a worm boring into wood. These verbs add a layer of poetic intensity that angoisser touches upon but doesn't quite fully encompass. Finally, oppresser (to oppress/weigh down) is very close to angoisser because it captures the physical sensation of being unable to breathe or feeling a weight on the chest, which is a hallmark of 'l'angoisse'.

Oppresser vs. Angoisser: 'Oppresser' is more physical—the feeling of a weight on the chest. 'Angoisser' is the mental state that often causes that physical feeling.

L'atmosphère lourde de cette pièce finit par m'oppresser et m'angoisser.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"La situation géopolitique actuelle angoisse les observateurs les plus lucides."

Neutral

"L'idée de déménager dans un autre pays m'angoisse un peu."

Informal

"Arrête de m'angoisser avec tes histoires de fantômes !"

Child friendly

"Le gros orage a un peu angoissé le petit chat."

Slang

"Ça m'angoisse trop, ce truc !"

Fun Fact

The word is a 'doublet' of 'angoisse'. The root 'ang-' is also found in the English words 'anguish', 'angry', and 'anxious', all sharing the core idea of constriction or tightness.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɑ̃.ɡwa.se/

US /ɑ̃.ɡwa.se/

In French, the stress is always slightly on the final syllable: an-gois-SER.

Rhymes With

passer manger aimer penser jouer danser chanter regarder

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'r' (it is silent).
Failing to nasalize the 'an' at the beginning.
Pronouncing 'oi' like 'oy' in 'boy' instead of 'wa'.
Using an English 'g' sound that is too soft.
Stressing the first syllable like in English 'AN-guish'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'anguish', but requires context to understand the intensity.

Writing 4/5

Conjugation is easy (-er verb), but using the reflexive 's'angoisser' with correct prepositions is tricky.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation of the nasal 'an' and the 'oi' (wa) sound requires practice to sound natural.

Listening 3/5

Clearly articulated in formal speech, but can be swallowed in fast, informal conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

peur inquiéter sentir idée examen

Learn Next

oppresser tourmenter soulager rassurer paniquer

Advanced

atrabilaire finitude existentialisme délétère appréhension

Grammar to Know

Reflexive verbs in the Passé Composé always use 'être'.

Elle s'est angoissée (She got anxious).

Direct object pronouns (me, te, le, la, nous, vous, les) come before the verb.

Cela m'angoisse (That makes me anxious).

The preposition 'de' is used before an infinitive after 'angoisser'.

Cela m'angoisse de partir.

Regular -er verbs silent 'r' in the infinitive.

angoisser (pronounced an-gwa-say).

Subjunctive is required after 'Bien que' and 'Il faut que'.

Il faut que tu ne t'angoisses pas.

Examples by Level

Le grand chien m'angoisse.

The big dog makes me anxious.

Simple transitive use: Subject (dog) + Object (me) + Verb.

L'examen de français m'angoisse.

The French exam makes me anxious.

Present tense of a regular -er verb.

Est-ce que tu t'angoisses ?

Are you getting anxious?

Reflexive form 's'angoisser' in a question.

Le noir angoisse le petit chat.

The dark makes the little cat anxious.

Third person singular conjugation.

Je ne veux pas t'angoisser.

I don't want to make you anxious.

Using an infinitive after 'vouloir'.

Cette musique m'angoisse un peu.

This music makes me a bit anxious.

Adding an adverb 'un peu' to modify the intensity.

Maman s'angoisse quand je suis en retard.

Mom gets anxious when I am late.

Reflexive verb in the third person.

Pourquoi est-ce que cela t'angoisse ?

Why does that make you anxious?

Using 'pourquoi' and 'cela' (that).

Ne t'angoisse pas pour tes notes.

Don't get anxious about your grades.

Imperative negative reflexive: 'Ne t'angoisse pas'.

Le voyage en avion l'angoisse toujours.

Traveling by plane always makes him/her anxious.

Direct object pronoun 'l'' (him/her).

Nous nous angoissons pour l'avenir de la planète.

We are getting anxious about the future of the planet.

First person plural reflexive: 'Nous nous angoissons'.

Cette vieille maison m'a beaucoup angoissé hier.

That old house made me very anxious yesterday.

Passé composé: 'm'a angoissé'.

Elle s'angoisse de devoir parler en public.

She gets anxious about having to speak in public.

'S'angoisser de' followed by an infinitive.

Les bruits bizarres angoissent les enfants.

Strange noises make the children anxious.

Third person plural conjugation.

Tu t'angoisses pour rien, tout va bien se passer.

You're getting anxious for nothing, everything will go well.

The common expression 's'angoisser pour rien'.

Cela m'angoisse d'arriver en retard au rendez-vous.

It makes me anxious to arrive late to the appointment.

Transitive 'angoisser' followed by 'de' + infinitive.

L'idée de perdre mon travail m'angoisse de plus en plus.

The idea of losing my job makes me more and more anxious.

Using 'L'idée de...' as the subject.

Il s'angoissait dès que le téléphone sonnait la nuit.

He would get anxious as soon as the phone rang at night.

Imparfait used for a recurring past action/state.

Je ne pensais pas que ce film allait m'angoisser autant.

I didn't think this movie was going to make me so anxious.

Futur proche in a subordinate clause.

Elle s'est angoissée pendant toute la durée de l'opération.

She was anxious during the entire duration of the surgery.

Passé composé of a reflexive verb (uses 'être').

Si je n'avais pas de plan, je m'angoisserais sûrement.

If I didn't have a plan, I would surely get anxious.

Conditionnel présent in a 'si' clause (hypothetical).

Le silence de la forêt peut parfois angoisser les citadins.

The silence of the forest can sometimes make city dwellers anxious.

Modal verb 'peut' followed by the infinitive 'angoisser'.

Nous nous angoissons à l'idée que le projet échoue.

We are getting anxious at the thought that the project might fail.

Reflexive verb with 'à l'idée que' + subjunctive.

Ce qui m'angoisse, c'est l'incertitude du lendemain.

What makes me anxious is the uncertainty of tomorrow.

Relative pronoun 'Ce qui' as the subject.

Il est crucial que vous ne vous angoissiez pas avant l'intervention.

It is crucial that you do not get anxious before the procedure.

Subjunctive mood after 'Il est crucial que'.

L'ampleur de la tâche commençait à l'angoisser sérieusement.

The scale of the task was starting to seriously make him anxious.

Imparfait with an adverb 'sérieusement'.

Bien que cela m'angoisse, je dois prendre une décision.

Although it makes me anxious, I must make a decision.

Subjunctive mood after 'Bien que'.

Elle s'était angoissée pour des détails qui n'avaient aucune importance.

She had gotten anxious over details that had no importance.

Plus-que-parfait of a reflexive verb.

Rien ne sert de s'angoisser, il faut agir maintenant.

There's no point in getting anxious; we must act now.

Infinitive construction 'Rien ne sert de...'.

Ce sentiment d'impuissance finit par angoisser toute la population.

This feeling of helplessness ends up making the whole population anxious.

Transitive use with a collective noun as the object.

On s'angoisse souvent pour des choses qui n'arriveront jamais.

We often get anxious about things that will never happen.

General 'on' used as the subject.

Le vide m'angoisse, je ne peux pas regarder en bas.

Heights make me anxious; I can't look down.

Using 'Le vide' (the void/heights) as a specific trigger.

L'écrivain s'angoisse devant la page blanche, craignant de ne plus avoir d'inspiration.

The writer gets anxious before the blank page, fearing they no longer have inspiration.

Literary context using 's'angoisser devant'.

Il craignait que son passé ne finisse par l'angoisser à nouveau.

He feared that his past might end up making him anxious again.

Subjunctive with 'ne' explétif after 'craindre que'.

La perspective d'un échec total l'angoissait au-delà de toute mesure.

The prospect of a total failure made him anxious beyond all measure.

High-level expression 'au-delà de toute mesure'.

S'angoisser pour le destin de l'humanité est le propre des grands esprits.

Getting anxious about the fate of humanity is characteristic of great minds.

Infinitive used as a subject noun.

Bien qu'il s'en défende, le changement l'angoisse profondément.

Although he denies it, change makes him deeply anxious.

Subjunctive in the subordinate, transitive in the main clause.

La solitude urbaine peut angoisser autant que le désert le plus aride.

Urban solitude can cause as much anxiety as the most arid desert.

Comparison using 'autant que'.

Elle s'angoissait à chaque fois qu'elle devait affronter son reflet.

She would get anxious every time she had to face her reflection.

Imparfait used for habitual emotional response.

Ce qui l'angoisse le plus, c'est l'irréversibilité du temps qui passe.

What makes him most anxious is the irreversibility of passing time.

Abstract philosophical subject.

Nul ne saurait s'angoisser sans éprouver d'abord un sentiment de liberté absolue.

No one could get anxious without first experiencing a feeling of absolute freedom.

Use of 'nul ne saurait' (literary conditionnel).

L'atmosphère délétère de la cour commençait à angoisser les diplomates les plus aguerris.

The deleterious atmosphere of the court was starting to make even the most seasoned diplomats anxious.

Sophisticated vocabulary ('délétère', 'aguerris').

Il s'angoissa à la pensée que son œuvre pût tomber dans l'oubli.

He became anxious at the thought that his work might fall into oblivion.

Passé simple and imparfait du subjonctif (highly literary).

L'angoisse qui l'étreignait semblait angoisser également son entourage par contagion.

The anxiety that gripped him seemed to also make those around him anxious by contagion.

Using the noun and verb to show psychological influence.

Que ce récit vous angoisse ou vous transporte, il ne vous laissera pas indifférent.

Whether this story makes you anxious or transports you, it will not leave you indifferent.

Subjunctive used to express alternative possibilities.

On ne saurait s'angoisser de l'avenir sans méconnaître les leçons du passé.

One cannot be anxious about the future without ignoring the lessons of the past.

Formal 'on ne saurait' + infinitive.

L'indicible horreur de la scène finit par angoisser les témoins jusqu'au mutisme.

The unspeakable horror of the scene ended up making the witnesses anxious to the point of silence.

Strong literary vocabulary ('indicible', 'mutisme').

S'angoisser de sa propre finitude est le fardeau de la conscience humaine.

Getting anxious about one's own finiteness is the burden of human consciousness.

Philosophical usage of 'finitude'.

Common Collocations

angoisser à l'idée de

angoisser terriblement

commencer à angoisser

angoisser quelqu'un

se laisser angoisser

angoisser inutilement

angoisser profondément

angoisser pour son avenir

angoisser de ne pas

faire angoisser

Common Phrases

Ça m'angoisse.

— That makes me anxious. Used as a reaction to bad news or a scary thought.

Apprendre qu'il y a une tempête ? Ça m'angoisse.

Ne t'angoisse pas !

— Don't get anxious! A common way to comfort someone who is worrying.

Ne t'angoisse pas, l'avion est le moyen de transport le plus sûr.

Il s'angoisse pour un rien.

— He gets anxious over nothing. Describes someone who is naturally prone to worry.

Mon frère est très nerveux, il s'angoisse pour un rien.

C'est angoissant.

— It's anxiety-inducing or creepy. Used to describe a situation or place.

Ce vieux manoir abandonné est vraiment angoissant.

Je m'angoisse de plus en plus.

— I am getting more and more anxious. Shows a rising level of distress.

Sans nouvelles de toi, je m'angoisse de plus en plus.

Arrête de m'angoisser !

— Stop making me anxious! Used when someone is sharing scary information.

Arrête de m'angoisser avec tes prédictions de fin du monde !

Ça m'angoisse de voir ça.

— It makes me anxious to see that. Often used for social or environmental issues.

Ça m'angoisse de voir tous ces déchets dans la mer.

S'angoisser à mort.

— To be worried to death. An informal hyperbole for extreme anxiety.

Je m'angoisse à mort pour cet entretien.

Tout m'angoisse en ce moment.

— Everything is making me anxious right now. Expresses a general state of distress.

Je suis fatigué, tout m'angoisse en ce moment.

Qu'est-ce qui t'angoisse ?

— What is making you anxious? A direct question to find the source of worry.

Tu as l'air pâle, qu'est-ce qui t'angoisse ?

Often Confused With

angoisser vs stresser

Stresser is for surface-level pressure; angoisser is for deep emotional distress.

angoisser vs inquiéter

Inquiéter is 'to worry' in a general sense; angoisser is much stronger.

angoisser vs angoissant

Angoissant means 'making others anxious', not 'feeling anxious' (which is angoissé).

Idioms & Expressions

"Avoir une boule au ventre"

— To have a knot in one's stomach. The physical feeling of being 'angoissé'.

Avant chaque match, j'ai une boule au ventre.

Informal/Neutral

"Se faire un sang d'encre"

— To worry oneself sick. A very strong expression for anxiety.

Tes parents se font un sang d'encre quand tu ne rentres pas.

Idiomatic

"Avoir la gorge nouée"

— To have a lump in one's throat. Related to the constriction of 'angoisse'.

Elle avait la gorge nouée en annonçant la nouvelle.

Neutral

"Se mettre dans tous ses états"

— To get into a real state. Often implies getting very anxious or upset.

Elle s'est mise dans tous ses états pour un simple retard.

Informal

"Avoir les jetons"

— To have the jitters or be scared. A more slangy way to express fear/anxiety.

J'ai vraiment les jetons avant de passer sur scène.

Slang

"Se monter le bourrichon"

— To work oneself up or get carried away with worries/ideas.

Ne te monte pas le bourrichon, il n'y a pas de danger.

Informal

"Avoir le cœur serré"

— To have a heavy heart. Describes the emotional pain of 'angoisse'.

J'avais le cœur serré en quittant ma maison d'enfance.

Neutral/Literary

"Perdre ses moyens"

— To lose one's composure or ability to act due to anxiety.

Il a perdu ses moyens pendant l'oral de français.

Neutral

"Être sur des charbons ardents"

— To be on pins and needles. Waiting anxiously for something.

J'attends les résultats, je suis sur des charbons ardents.

Idiomatic

"Avoir la peur au ventre"

— To be gripped by fear/anxiety. Very visceral and intense.

Ils avançaient dans la grotte avec la peur au ventre.

Neutral

Easily Confused

angoisser vs angoisse vs. anxiété

Both translate to anxiety.

Angoisse is more visceral, physical, and immediate. Anxiété is often a more chronic, mental, or clinical state.

J'ai une crise d'angoisse (panic) vs. Je souffre d'anxiété (chronic).

angoisser vs angoissé vs. angoissant

One is a past participle/adjective, the other is a present participle/adjective.

Angoissé is how you feel (anxious). Angoissant is how the thing is (scary/distressing).

Je suis angoissé par ce film angoissant.

angoisser vs s'angoisser vs. se tracasser

Both mean to worry.

Tracasser is like 'fretting' or 'pestering' the mind with small things. Angoisser is deep dread.

Ne te tracasse pas pour les clés vs. Ne t'angoisse pas pour l'opération.

angoisser vs oppresser vs. angoisser

They both describe a heavy feeling.

Oppresser is specifically the physical feeling of weight on the chest. Angoisser is the mental state.

La chaleur m'oppresse vs. L'avenir m'angoisse.

angoisser vs effrayer vs. angoisser

Both involve fear.

Effrayer is to scare (sudden shock). Angoisser is a more lingering, internal dread.

Le cri m'a effrayé vs. L'idée de la mort m'angoisse.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] + m'angoisse.

Le chien m'angoisse.

Ne t'angoisse pas pour [Noun].

Ne t'angoisse pas pour l'examen.

S'angoisser à l'idée de [Infinitive].

Je m'angoisse à l'idée de voyager.

Il est [Adjective] que [Subject] s'angoisse.

Il est normal qu'elle s'angoisse.

[Subject] angoisse [Object] au-delà de toute mesure.

Cette nouvelle l'angoisse au-delà de toute mesure.

Nul ne saurait s'angoisser de [Noun] sans [Infinitive].

Nul ne saurait s'angoisser de la mort sans aimer la vie.

Ce qui m'angoisse, c'est [Noun/Clause].

Ce qui m'angoisse, c'est le bruit.

[Subject] s'angoisse de [Infinitive].

Il s'angoisse de rater le train.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both spoken and written French, especially when discussing emotions, health, or social issues.

Common Mistakes

Je suis angoissant. → Je suis angoissé.
'Angoissant' means you cause anxiety in others (creepy/distressing). 'Angoissé' means you feel it.
Cela m'angoisse à propos de l'examen. → Cela m'angoisse pour l'examen.
'À propos de' is a direct translation of 'about' but sounds clunky here. Use 'pour' or 'de'.
Je m'angoisse de mon chien. → Je m'inquiète pour mon chien.
Unless your dog is in a life-or-death situation, 's'inquiéter' is more appropriate for pets.
Le film m'angoisse (when the film is over). → Le film m'a angoissé.
Use the passé composé to describe the effect of something that happened in the past.
Je n'angoisse pas. → Je ne m'angoisse pas.
The reflexive form is much more common when describing your own state of mind.

Tips

Reflexive Pronoun Check

Always remember 'se' when you are the subject feeling the anxiety. 'Je m'angoisse' is 'I am getting anxious,' while 'J'angoisse' is less common.

Cognate Power

Link 'angoisser' to 'anguish' to remember the meaning, but remember that in French, it's a very common, everyday word.

The Silent R

In the infinitive 'angoisser', the 'r' is totally silent. It sounds exactly like 'angoissé'. Use context to tell them apart!

Drama Level

Use 'angoisser' when you want to show that a worry is deep and serious. It carries more emotional weight than 'stresser'.

The 'Idea' Pattern

Native speakers love the pattern 'angoisser à l'idée de...'. Use it to sound more natural when explaining the cause of your worry.

Nasal 'An'

The first sound is the nasal 'an'. If you pronounce it like 'an' in 'apple', it won't be understood. Think of 'enchanté'.

Comforting Others

The phrase 'Ne t'angoisse pas' is much more empathetic than just saying 'Don't worry'. Use it with friends.

Adjective Agreement

If you use 'angoissé' as an adjective, remember it must agree: angoissé (m), angoissée (f), angoissés (m.pl), angoissées (f.pl).

Horror Movies

If you are describing a thriller or horror movie, 'angoissant' is the perfect word to describe the tension.

Existential Dread

In French culture, 'l'angoisse' is often seen as a sign of deep thinking. Don't be afraid to use it in serious discussions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'AN-GUISH'. The start 'ang-' is the same. Imagine a 'GOOSE' (sounds like 'gois') chasing you, making you feel 'AN-GOIS-ed' (anxious).

Visual Association

Visualize a person with their hands over their chest, feeling a 'narrowing' or 'tightness'—the Latin root 'angustus' means narrow.

Word Web

Angoisse Narrow Tight Fear Exam Heart Stomach Reflexive

Challenge

Try to use 'angoisser' three times today: once for a movie, once for a task, and once to tell someone not to worry ('ne t'angoisse pas').

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French 'angoissier', which comes from the Latin 'angustiare' (to narrow, to straiten). This Latin verb is from 'angustus' meaning 'narrow'.

Original meaning: To constrict, to narrow, or to cause physical pain through pressure.

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this in a clinical setting; 'angoisse' can refer to actual panic attacks ('crises d'angoisse').

English speakers often use 'stress' for everything. In French, 'angoisser' is reserved for when the feeling is more serious or internal.

Jean-Paul Sartre's 'L'Être et le Néant' (Being and Nothingness) discusses 'l'angoisse' as the realization of freedom. The movie 'Angoisse' (1987) is a famous Spanish-French horror film. The phrase 'angoisse de la page blanche' is a common term for writer's block.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

angoisser pour le bac
angoisser avant un oral
angoisser à cause des notes
angoisser de rater l'année

Health

angoisser avant une opération
faire une crise d'angoisse
angoisser pour sa santé
angoisser en attendant les résultats

Travel

angoisser en avion
angoisser de se perdre
angoisser à l'idée du départ
angoisser pour les bagages

Work

angoisser pour l'entretien
angoisser à cause du patron
angoisser de perdre son job
angoisser devant la charge de travail

Relationships

angoisser pour son enfant
angoisser de la solitude
angoisser après une dispute
angoisser de ne pas plaire

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce qu'il y a quelque chose qui t'angoisse particulièrement en ce moment ?"

"Pourquoi penses-tu que les gens s'angoissent autant pour l'avenir ?"

"Est-ce que parler en public t'angoisse ou est-ce que tu es plutôt à l'aise ?"

"Quel est le film le plus angoissant que tu aies jamais vu ?"

"Est-ce que tu t'angoisses facilement quand tu es dans un endroit inconnu ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris une situation qui t'a vraiment angoissé par le passé et comment tu as géré ce sentiment.

Est-ce que tu penses que les réseaux sociaux angoissent les jeunes aujourd'hui ? Pourquoi ?

Écris sur la différence entre 'stresser' et 'angoisser' selon ton expérience personnelle.

Imagine un personnage qui s'angoisse pour un secret qu'il doit garder. Décris ses pensées.

Quelles sont les choses qui t'angoissent le moins maintenant par rapport à quand tu étais enfant ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is extremely common. You will hear it when people talk about their jobs, health, or children. It's not just a 'big' word; it's a standard part of describing one's emotional life in France.

You can, but it sounds a bit dramatic. If you lost your phone, 'inquiéter' or 'stresser' is more appropriate. Use 'angoisser' if the loss of the phone means you're stranded in a dangerous place.

Think of 'stresser' as being about your schedule and tasks. Think of 'angoisser' as being about your soul and safety. 'I have a deadline' = stress. 'I'm afraid of the dark' = angoisse.

You can say 'Je suis quelqu'un d'angoissé' or 'Je suis de nature angoissée'. You wouldn't usually use the verb 'angoisser' for a permanent trait, but rather the adjective.

Yes, it's a perfectly regular -er verb. J'angoisse, tu angoisses, il angoisse, nous angoissons, vous angoissez, ils angoissent. Simple!

Absolutely. 'Cela m'angoisse de te voir comme ça' (It makes me anxious to see you like this) is a very common and natural structure.

Yes, they share the same Latin root. However, in English, 'anguish' is very formal and rare as a verb. In French, 'angoisser' is a daily verb.

Yes, in many contexts. A 'maison angoissante' is a creepy or spooky house that makes you feel uneasy.

Usually 'de' or 'pour'. 'Je m'angoisse de l'avenir' or 'Je m'angoisse pour toi'. Both are correct and common.

No. It can be transitive (Cela m'angoisse) or reflexive (Je m'angoisse). It can even be used intransitive occasionally, like 'Il angoisse' (He is feeling anxious), though reflexive is more common for that.