gnaw -
To cause continual distress or discomfort, often in a mental or emotional sense.
Doubts about her decision started to gnaw at her, making it hard to focus.
adjective
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frenetic -
Fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way
Every James Bond movie features a frenetic car chase that has the audience on the edge of their seats.
noun
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tenterhooks -
Waiting nervously for something to happen.
After the weeklong trial, we were on tenterhooks waiting for the jury to give its verdict.
adjective
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feverishly -
In a highly excited or frantic manner, often due to intense emotion or urgency.
He searched feverishly through his bag, trying to find his lost passport.
adjective
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insecure -
Lacking confidence or self-assurance; feeling unsure about oneself.
When the disease caused blotches on her face, she felt insecure whenever she was with people.
verb
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falter -
To lose strength or momentum; to weaken or stumble; to hesitate in action, purpose, or speech.
Her voice began to falter as she delivered the emotional speech.
verb
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vacillate -
To waver between different opinions or actions; to be indecisive.
He would vacillate between a career in business - that would be more secure - or in acting, something that he loved to do.
noun
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qualms -
A feeling of discomfort or uneasiness, often related to a decision.
He had qualms about accepting the job offer because it meant relocating to a city he didn't really want to live in.
adjective
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unnerving -
Disturbing or upsetting in a way that makes someone feel anxious or afraid, sometimes leading to a loss of courage, confidence, or composure.
It was an unnerving experience walking alone in the empty and unused area under the highway.
adjective
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temperamental -
Liable to sudden changes in mood or behavior; unpredictable in temperament.
His temperamental nature and frequent outbursts made it hard for the team to rely on him during stressful situations.
adjective
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amok -
to be out of control and act in a wild or dangerous manner
After Mendel saw the drunken peasants running amok destroying his little village, he knew it was time to leave Russia and go to America.
adjective
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touchy -
Easily offended or sensitive to criticism or comments.
Be careful what you say—he’s really touchy about his artwork.
