Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 nerve-racking /(nẽrv"-răk`ĭng)/ · IPA /nˌɜrvrˈækɪŋ/ 01 adj. Extremely irritating to the nerves; stressful; trying; as, nerve-wracking noise. 1. Extremely irritating to the nerves; stressful; trying; as, nerve-wracking noise. Syn. stressful, trying.