"Zozobra" refers to a state of emotional distress, anxiety, or discomfort. It can encompass feelings of worry, agitation, or a lack of peace, often in a psychological or existential context. The term is used in both formal and informal conversations but is more commonly found in written language such as literature, psychology discussions, or poetry.
Frequency of Use
The word "zozobra" is used fairly frequently in literary contexts and discussions about emotional states, but it may not be as commonly used in everyday spoken language.
Example Sentences
La zozobra llenó su corazón mientras esperaba noticias de su familia.
Anxiety filled her heart as she awaited news of her family.
Durante la tormenta, sintió una zozobra inexplicable.
During the storm, he felt an inexplicable unease.
La zozobra nocturna la mantenía despierta toda la noche.
The nighttime distress kept her awake all night.
Idiomatic Expressions
"Zozobra" is not commonly used in many idiomatic expressions compared to other Spanish words, but it conveys a deep sense of emotional struggle that can be related to various phrases discussing feelings and mental states.
Example Sentences with Idiomatic Expressions
En momentos de zozobra, es fundamental buscar apoyo entre amigos.
In moments of anxiety, it is essential to seek support among friends.
La zozobra de no saber qué pasará mañana puede ser abrumadora.
The unease of not knowing what will happen tomorrow can be overwhelming.
La zozobra de la incertidumbre lo perseguía día y noche.
The distress of uncertainty haunted him day and night.
A veces, la zozobra llega sin previo aviso y es difícil manejarla.
Sometimes, anxiety arrives without warning, and it's hard to handle it.
Etymology
The word "zozobra" has its origins in the Latin "subrubra," which refers to a state of being agitated or distressed. Over time, it evolved in the Spanish language to represent a more profound psychological state of unrest and unease.