worry

B1 · Intermediate

v. to make someone else feel unhappy or afraid that something bad will happen.

v. to cause mental agitation or distress in another person. Transitive — takes a direct object.

“It worries me that he hasn't called to say he arrived safely.”

“The sudden drop in market confidence worried the investors, leading many to withdraw their capital before the end of the fiscal quarter.”

C2 · Proficiency Literary

v. to pull, bite, or shake something repeatedly with the teeth.

v. to seize, shake, or pull at something repeatedly with the teeth, typically of a dog or predator.

“The puppy started to worry the old slipper until it finally tore.”

“The terrier continued to worry the rag doll, shaking it violently from side to side as if it were live prey.”

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the uncomfortable feeling you have when you are thinking about problems.

n. a state of mental distress or anxiety caused by concern over problems.

“The constant worry about money was starting to affect his health.”

“Years of financial worry had etched deep lines into his face, giving him an appearance far older than his actual age.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a specific problem or situation that makes you feel anxious.

n. a specific cause or instance of anxiety. Countable in this sense.

“Health insurance is just one more worry for people who lose their jobs.”

“The director had many worries on her mind, ranging from the technical failure of the equipment to the lead actor's sudden illness.”