Decoding ‘Anxiety, disturbance (9)‘: A Crossword Clue Deep Dive
Every seasoned solver knows the feeling: you’re cruising through your daily crossword puzzle, filling in answers with satisfying speed, and then you hit a wall. A particularly intriguing, perhaps even frustrating, crossword clue stares back at you, demanding a level of insight that feels just out of reach. Today, we’re zeroing in on one such brain-teaser: “Anxiety, disturbance (9)“. This isn’t just a challenge; it’s a masterclass in how clever setters craft their puzzles, and a fantastic opportunity to sharpen your crossword clue-solving skills.
At first glance, this nine-letter crossword clue seems straightforward enough. We have two distinct nouns, “anxiety” and “disturbance,” separated by a comma. In the world of crosswords, a comma often signifies that the two parts of the clue are acting as separate definitions for the same single word. Your task, then, is to find one nine-letter word that can accurately define both “anxiety” and “disturbance.”
Let’s break down each element. “Anxiety” immediately brings to mind feelings of worry, unease, apprehension, or stress. It’s an internal state, often a mental or emotional one, characterized by a sense of impending doom or general nervousness. When tackling this part of the crossword clue, consider synonyms that convey a deep, pervasive sense of unease.
Then we have “disturbance.” This word evokes a slightly different, though related, set of concepts. A disturbance can be an interruption, a disruption, an upset, or a commotion. It suggests something that throws things off balance, creates disorder, or causes trouble. While “anxiety” is often internal, a “disturbance” can manifest externally or describe an external event that causes internal unrest. The key here is to find a word that encapsulates both the internal turmoil and the external (or potential external) upset.
The nine-letter constraint is your most powerful tool for solving this crossword clue. Many words might fit “anxiety” alone, and many others might fit “disturbance,” but very few will satisfy both criteria perfectly, and even fewer will fit precisely into a nine-letter slot. This is where the beauty of crossword puzzles truly shines – precision is paramount.
When faced with a composite crossword clue like this, try a few mental exercises:
1.
Brainstorm synonyms for each word independently.
List out all the words you can think of for “anxiety” and “disturbance,” paying close attention to words that might appear on both lists or convey a similar
type
of feeling or state.
2.
Look for overlap.
Are there any words that serve as excellent definitions for
both
? Often, the answer to such a crossword clue will be a more formal, less common synonym that perfectly bridges the two concepts.
3.
Consider the nuance.
Is there a single word that describes a state of profound emotional or mental unease
and
also implies a state of being unsettled, disrupted, or thrown into disarray? Think about words that convey both a psychological state and a general condition of instability.
This particular crossword clue challenges you to think beyond the most obvious synonyms and delve into the subtle intricacies of the English language. It asks you to find a word that embodies a deep, unsettling feeling or condition that both troubles the mind and disrupts tranquility. It’s a wonderful example of how a well-crafted crossword clue can make you ponder the precise meaning of words.
Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t immediately spring to mind. That’s part of the fun! The satisfaction of finally unlocking a tricky crossword clue like this one is unparalleled. Keep thinking about words that signify a deep unease, a state of being unsettled, and a general lack of peace. Good luck with your daily crossword clue endeavors!
Available Answers:
AGITATION.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Wednesday, 3 December 2025