nerve rack

nerve rack (plural nerve racks)

1. A state of extreme emotional distress from a nerve-racking experience.
   • 1903, Burnside Foster, Saint Paul Medical Journal - Volume 5, page 372:

     A hypodermic will secure much needed rest and promptly relieve bone ache and nerve rack.

   • 1917, The Christian Workers Magazine - Volume 18, page 420:

     Prayer has been abundantly answered in my case, and I desire your further intercessions that right soon all nerve rack and strain may pass away and that I may be once more full of power and vigor for the work of the Lord.

   • 1927, Ruby Elliot Cromer, Lamuriac and other sketches, page 18:

     I think after these evenings of suspense and nerve rack a reaction of fatigue and depression is apt to follow the next morning.

• nerve-rack, nerverack, nerve wrack, nerve-wrack, nervewrack