worry

/ˈwər-ē/

Middle English worien, from Old English wyrgan; akin to Old High German wurgen to strangle, Lithuanian veržti to constrict

verb

  1. to afflict with mental distress or agitation : make, anxious

  2. to harass by tearing, biting, or snapping especially at the throat

  3. to shake or pull at with the teeth

worry annoy harass harry plague pester tease mean to disturb or irritate by persistent acts. worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation. annoy implies disturbing one's composure or peace of mind by intrusion, interference, or petty attacks.

noun

  1. mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usually for something impending or anticipated : anxiety

  2. an instance or occurrence of such distress or agitation

  3. a cause of worry : trouble, difficulty

care concern solicitude anxiety worry mean a troubled or engrossed state of mind or the thing that causes this. care implies oppression of the mind weighed down by responsibility or disquieted by apprehension. concern implies a troubled state of mind because of personal interest, relation, or affection.

plural noun

  1. a string of beads that can be fingered to keep one's hands occupied