Understanding Vocabulary in Context

In the following passage, the author explores the complex relationship between innovation and tradition in art. Pay attention to the vocabulary, particularly terms that reveal the author's tone and attitude toward the concepts discussed.

"In the wake of ever-evolving technology, the artistic community finds itself at a crossroads. While some artists ardently embrace the new, often eschewing established methods, others cling to the venerable techniques honed over generations. This dichotomy raises pertinent questions: Is innovation a trepidation, or does it herald a momentous renaissance in the creative realm?"

In the context of the passage, what does the word 'trepidation' most nearly mean?