What's the word for...?

Find that expression on the tip of your tongue

|

sudden jolt

A quick, sharp movement or sensation, often associated with surprise or shock.

Examples:

  • I felt a sudden jolt when I missed the last step.
  • The unexpected bump in the road gave us all a sudden jolt.

stomach lurch

A sudden feeling of discomfort or uneasiness in the stomach, often felt during a shocking or surprising experience.

Examples:

  • My stomach lurched as I realized I had missed a step.
  • The news made my stomach lurch; I wasn't expecting it at all.

heart in your throat

A feeling of intense anxiety or fear, often leading to a racing heart or unease.

Examples:

  • When I saw the dog run toward us, my heart was in my throat.
  • I could feel my heart in my throat as I stepped onto the ledge.

moment of vertigo

A transient sensation of spinning or dizziness, often accompanied by a feeling of falling.

Examples:

  • As I missed the bottom step, I experienced a moment of vertigo.
  • The quick descent gave me a moment of vertigo that left me off balance.

adrenaline rush

A sudden increase in adrenaline in the body, often triggered by excitement, fear, or shock.

Examples:

  • I experienced an adrenaline rush when I nearly fell down the stairs.
  • The missed step and subsequent scare gave me an adrenaline rush.