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.
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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flustered -
Agitated or confused
Studying quantum mechanics was difficult for Tom because all it did was make him confused and flustered.
noun
See verb
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shock -
A jarring event that causes surprise, disbelief, or emotional disturbance.
The shock of the market crash left investors scrambling to adjust their portfolios.
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.
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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fidgety -
Being restless, impatient, and uneasy, and making small bodily movement that reveals that condition.
At first the criminal appeared confident under questioning, but as the hours passed, he started losing his cool and became fidgety.
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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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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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.
