harried - To be busy and annoyed by the demands of others

thrash - To beat a person or animal repeatedly and violently

fluctuate - To change or vary irregularly, especially in amount or level.

resonate - To feel aligned with something, such as an idea, belief, feelings, or value, creating a sense of mutual understanding or agreement.

gaunt - (of a person) lean and haggard, especially because of suffering, hunger, or age

contender - A person or group competing with others trying to achieve the same goal.

quackery - Deceptive or dishonest practices, particularly in fields such as health, medicine, or business, that are designed to exploit others.

scrunch - To make something small to fit into a small space

vicious - Dangerously aggressive, cruel, and violent.

thriller - A novel, play, or movie with an exciting plot, typically involving crime or espionag

terse - A way of expressing something using a minimum number of words

throes - Intense or violent pain and struggle, especially accompanying birth, death, or great change