'zozobra' originates from Spanish, specifically the word 'zozobra', where 'zozobra' meant 'unease' or 'anxiety'.

'zozobra' entered English as a borrowing from Spanish, particularly via Southwestern US usage; the Santa Fe festival name 'Zozobra' (the burning effigy) helped popularize the term in English.

Initially it meant 'unease' or 'anxiety' in Spanish, and in English it has kept that sense while also acquiring the specific meaning referring to the festival effigy 'Zozobra'.