Definition

A person who shows a lot of worry or distress by squeezing their hands together.

Example

During the meeting, she was such a handwringer that everyone noticed her anxiety.

Conversation

I saw Karen at the café yesterday, and she looked like a total handwringer while waiting for her test results.

Oh no, really? She always worries so much about those things.

Exactly! I told her to try and relax, but she just kept clasping her hands.

That makes sense; I guess it's her way of dealing with the stress.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Handwringer → The word is formed from "hand" (from Old English "hand", meaning the part of the body at the end of the arm) and "wringer" (from the verb "wring", meaning to twist or squeeze). A handwringer refers to a device or action that involves twisting or squeezing by hand, often to remove water from wet clothes.

Memory Tip

Think of using your 'hand' to 'twist' or 'squeeze' something — that's what a handwringer does.

Visually Confused Words