Verbs for Feeling Fear and Distress

a bad feeling that we get when we are afraid or worried

The fear of heights prevented him from climbing the ladder.

a feeling of extreme fear and anxiety that makes one unable to think clearly

The fire alarm caused everyone to rush out in panic.

to react with extreme or irrational fear, anxiety, or agitation

He freaked at the sight of the snake slithering across the path.

to move with a rapid up-and-down motion

Right now, the laundry on the clothesline is flapping in the gentle breeze.

the ability in a person that makes them think, feel, or imagine

She has a brilliant mind for solving puzzles.

all the young of a bird hatched at the same time, or the young of an animal cared for together

The mother hen clucked softly to her brood of chicks, guiding them to a patch of grass for foraging.

to feel upset and nervous because we think about bad things that might happen to us or our problems

She tends to worry about upcoming exams.

to suffer mental pain or intense worry about a difficult decision or situation

She agonized over whether to accept the job offer or stay in her current position.

to worry too much or pay too much attention to small details

She fussed over every detail of the party, making sure everything was perfect.

to engage someone's mind or attention fully, especially with worries or concerns

She has been preoccupied with worries about her children's health and safety.

to be anxious about something minor or uncertain

She fretted about whether she had left the stove on before leaving the house.

the body's way of cooling down with a salty liquid

The athletes' sweat dripped onto the gym floor as they pushed themselves to the limit.

a dish of vegetables or meat cooked at a low temperature in liquid in a closed container

She simmered a hearty beef stew on the stove, filling the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.