handwringing

American  

[hand-ring-ing] / ˈhændˌrɪŋ ɪŋ /

Or hand-wringing,

noun

1. a physical expression of concern, distress, or guilt.

2. the nervous grasping or squeezing of the hands as a sign of these feelings.

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Other Word Forms

• handwringer noun

Example Sentences

All these iterations of female friendship received their fair share of hatred and handwringing in the popular culture of their time.

From Los Angeles Times

"He didn't let US government clucking and handwringing stop him," says Robert Carlin.

From BBC

In some quarters, the pace of change and the dangers of runaway AI, as seen in dystopian movies, have produced intense handwringing.

From Washington Times

The sudden underperformance by Europe’s largest economy has set off a wave of criticism, handwringing and debate about the way forward.

From Seattle Times

But even after decades of handwringing over the theft of American secrets, Wray's comments were unusually stark.

From Reuters