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Definitions

stage fright

NOUN
fear of performing onstage
Synonyms
WEAK
aphonia aphonia clericorum aphonia paralytica aphonia paranoica bashfulness buck fever butterflies flop sweat freeze hysterical aphonia loss of speech mike fright mutism spastic aphonia

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

From an early age, Small suffered debilitating stage fright.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Here, she discusses the jazz warm-up she’s used for decades, dealing with stage fright and loving the divas she plays.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

However, until 2016, when Carpenter first toured with his music, he was consumed with stage fright.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2025

Seven-time winner Ronnie O'Sullivan says he will overcome "stage fright" to take on Ali Carter in the first round of the World Snooker Championship.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2025

He did show nervousness before a game, as certain great actors show stage fright before a demanding performance, but this state of anxiety shouldn’t be confused with fear.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady