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defensive - To put oneself in a position that is intended to protect oneself.

One of the challenges of a therapist is to achieve the trust of the patient, and overcome the patient's defensive behavior.

adjective

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frazzled - To feel completely exhausted and worn out, and unable to think straight, after a great deal of mental or physical effort

After being up two nights in a row writing a 60 page history paper, and drinking 60 cups of coffee, Simon's mind felt frazzled.

noun

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frenzy - Wild, extreme, and uncontrolled behavior or mental agitation

Saigon was in a frenzy of chaotic activity at the end of April 1975 as the Viet Cong entered the city and the last Americans left by helicopter.

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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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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touchy - Easily offended or sensitive to criticism or comments.

Be careful what you say—he’s really touchy about his artwork.

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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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.

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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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.

adjective

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frantic - Wild or distraught with fear, anxiety, or other emotion

Between his two jobs and high debts, Randy was always frantic about how to deal with his life.