solicitude

care, concern, solicitude, anxiety, worry mean a troubled or engrossed state of mind or the thing that causes this. care implies oppression of the mind weighed down by responsibility or disquieted by apprehension.

• • a face worn by years of care

concern implies a troubled state of mind because of personal interest, relation, or affection.

• • crimes caused concern in the neighborhood

solicitude implies great concern and connotes either thoughtful or hovering attentiveness toward another.

• • acted with typical maternal solicitude

anxiety stresses anguished uncertainty or fear of misfortune or failure.

• • plagued by anxiety and self-doubt

worry suggests fretting over matters that may or may not be real cause for anxiety.

• • financial worries