white–knuckle

adjective white–knuck·le \ˈhwīt-ˈnə-kəl, ˈwīt-\

: showing, experiencing, or causing very strong feelings of fear, anxiety, etc.

Full Definition of WHITE-KNUCKLE

: marked by, causing, or experiencing tense nervousness <a white–knuckle ride on a roller coaster> <a white–knuckle passenger>

See white–knuckle defined for English-language learners

white–knuck·le also white–knuck·led \-kəld\

1974

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