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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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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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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.

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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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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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.

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.

verb

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stutter - To speak with involuntary disruptions or repetitions of sounds, often at the beginning of words, due to a speech difficulty.

During the presentation, she began to stutter when she got nervous.

noun

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fuss - A display of unnecessary or excessive excitement, activity, or interest

The baby would make a fuss every time his parents would try to take a picture of him.

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.

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.