tenterhooks -
Waiting nervously for something to happen.
After the weeklong trial, we were on tenterhooks waiting for the jury to give its verdict.
verb
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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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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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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.
adjective
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jittery -
Nervous or unable to relax
The double shot iced coffee from Starbucks made Roman so jittery that he couldn't stand still.
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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perturbed -
Feeling unsettled, anxious, or troubled due to confusion, concern, or disruption.
She was visibly perturbed when she found out her flight had been canceled at the last minute.
adjective
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stickler -
Someone who is very particular or fussy about a specific thing.
She spends a lot of time cleaning the house, because she's a stickler for neatness and cleanliness.
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.
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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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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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.
