worrying

/ˈwər-ē-iŋ/

adjective

  1. causing worry : creating reason for worry : troubling

a worrying trend/development

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.

phrasal verb

  1. to pull, twist, or bite (something) repeatedly

  2. to try to solve (a problem) by thinking about it for a long time

The dog was in the corner worrying at a bone.