What does nerve mean?
Nerve is a versatile word that connects the physical and psychological sides of human experience. Anatomically, it refers to a bundle of fibres that carries impulses between the brain and other parts of the body. More commonly in everyday conversation, it means courage, steadiness, or the willingness to act despite fear: someone who “has nerve” is prepared to take risks or face difficult circumstances. The expression “lose your nerve” describes becoming overwhelmed by anxiety or pressure, while “the nerve to do something” highlights an unusual willingness to act. As a verb, “nerve” means to give someone courage or resolve, especially before a demanding event. The word is also used more formally for strength, vigour, and structures resembling nerves, but its modern figurative sense is the one most people encounter.
A bundle of nerve fibres that carries impulses between the brain and other parts of the body; also, courage, steadiness, or the ability to act despite fear.
"The surgeon was careful not to damage the nerve."
The abstract sense, as in “have the nerve,” is especially common in British, American, and other standard varieties of English.
To give someone the courage, confidence, or resolve needed to face a difficult situation.
"She tried to nerve her teammates before the final race."
Often used in the pattern “nerve someone to do something” or in the reflexive phrase “nerve oneself to do something.”
The plural refers to anatomical nerve structures, as in “the nerves in her hands,” and can also mean a state of anxiety or emotional strain, as in “a bout of nerves.”
"He had nerves of steel before the interview."
The word “nerve” can mean both the body’s wiring and the courage to face danger: one is essential for movement, the other for action.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nerve come from?
The English word comes through Old French nerf, from Latin nervus, meaning “sinew,” “tendons,” or “fibre,” and ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root associated with sinews or muscles. In medieval and early modern English, “nerve” referred primarily to bodily tendons or fibres, which were believed to transmit sensation. By the 18th century, the anatomical sense had developed into the modern meaning for a structure carrying nervous impulses, while the figurative sense came to mean strength, vigour, and then courage.
Related word forms
How nerve is actually used
In the sense of courage, “nerve” is common in expressions such as “have the nerve” and “lose your nerve”; it can imply either admirable determination or, depending on context, bold or reckless behaviour. The verb “nerve” is usually followed by an infinitive: “nerve yourself to ask.” In anatomy, British English commonly uses “nerve fibre,” while American English often uses “nerve fiber.”
Easily confused with nerve
A nerve is a bundle of nerve fibres that transmits impulses, whereas a neuron is an individual cell that carries or receives those impulses.
The spelling is the same, but the two words are not synonyms: nerve refers to a bodily fibre bundle or to courage, while neuron refers specifically to a nerve cell.