20 Feelings and Emotions Related to Fear: Description and Physical Sensations
Posted On April 4, 2023
20 common emotions/feelings related to the primary emotion of fear, along with a general description and how they might feel in the body:
| Emotion/Feeling | Description | Body Sensation |
|---|---|---|
| Afraid | Feeling fearful or scared about something | Increased heart rate, shallow breathing, sweating |
| Agitated | Feeling anxious or restless | Rapid heartbeat, trembling, muscle tension |
| Anxious | Feeling worried or uneasy about something | Butterflies in stomach, rapid breathing, tense muscles |
| Apprehensive | Feeling uneasy or fearful about something that may happen | Tightness in chest, rapid heartbeat, clammy hands |
| Dread | Feeling extreme fear or apprehension about something unpleasant | Churning stomach, sweating, shaking |
| Frightened | Feeling intense fear or panic | Racing heartbeat, trembling, sweating |
| Hesitant | Feeling uncertain or hesitant about something | Butterflies in stomach, tightness in chest, racing thoughts |
| Insecure | Feeling uncertain or lacking in confidence | Butterflies in stomach, rapid breathing, tense muscles |
| Nervous | Feeling uneasy or worried about something | Sweating, shaking, rapid heartbeat |
| Panicky | Feeling overwhelming fear or panic | Rapid heartbeat, hyperventilation, trembling |
| Petrified | Feeling completely paralyzed with fear | Numbness, sweating, rapid heartbeat |
| Scared | Feeling afraid or frightened | Increased heart rate, rapid breathing, trembling |
| Shaken | Feeling upset or disturbed by something | Racing thoughts, increased heart rate, tightness in chest |
| Spooked | Feeling scared or unnerved by something | Racing thoughts, rapid breathing, increased heart rate |
| Startled | Feeling suddenly surprised or frightened | Racing heartbeat, quick breathing, muscle tension |
| Terrified | Feeling extreme fear or dread | Chills, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing |
| Timid | Feeling lacking in confidence or courage | Butterflies in stomach, tense muscles, racing thoughts |
| Uneasy | Feeling uncomfortable or apprehensive about something | Sweating, churning stomach, racing thoughts |
| Vulnerable | Feeling exposed or unprotected | Tightness in chest, rapid breathing, racing thoughts |
| Worried | Feeling anxious or troubled about something | Racing thoughts, increased heart rate, sweating |
Note: The physical sensations listed are general and may vary from person to person. They are not intended to be a definitive list, but rather a starting point for understanding how emotions can be felt in the body.
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