Qualm
/kwɑːm/noun
A feeling of unease or doubt.
Did you know?The term 'qualm' may have originated from an Old Norse word meaning 'to tremble' or 'to shake', hinting at a deeper connection to fear and anxiety.
Etymological Timeline
Old Norse
Old Norse
kvalmr
“A term referring to a feeling of shock or dread.”
Middle English
Middle English
qualme
“A sudden feeling of sickness or dread, possibly influenced by Old Norse.”
16th Century
English
qualm
“An uneasy feeling or pang of conscience.”
Modern English
English
qualm
“A lingering feeling of doubt or apprehension.”