Vocabulary Study Cards

Click any card to flip it and reveal the explanation and examples.

1. Agonizing

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Agonizing

Explanation: Causing extreme mental distress, anxiety, or physical pain. In the script, it describes how a short period of time felt unbearable due to fear and panic.

Examples:

  • The twenty minutes we waited for the doctor to bring back the test results were completely agonizing.
  • She spent an agonizing hour searching the crowded beach before finally spotting her missing dog.

2. Sent chills down my spine

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Sent chills down my spine

Explanation: A common expression meaning to cause a sudden feeling of fear, dread, or deep unsettling horror.

Examples:

  • Hearing the news report about the missing child sent chills down my spine.
  • The eerie silence in the dark parking garage sent chills down her spine as she walked to her car.

3. Took me back to

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Took me back to

Explanation: An expression meaning to remind someone of a specific past memory or experience, making them feel as if they are reliving it.

Examples:

  • Reading that story about a lost toddler immediately took me back to the time my son vanished in the supermarket.
  • Hearing that old lullaby took her right back to summer evenings at her grandmother's house.

4. Spotted

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Spotted

Explanation: Saw, noticed, or visually caught sight of someone or something, especially after looking carefully.

Examples:

  • An alert employee spotted the lost boy sitting quietly near the customer service desk.
  • When I looked up, I spotted an old friend of mine down the aisle of the grocery store.

5. Baggage claim

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Baggage claim

Explanation: The designated area in an airport terminal where arriving passengers collect their checked luggage from circular conveyor belts (carousels).

Examples:

  • In the chaos of the crowded baggage claim, it's easy to lose sight of young children for a quick second.
  • We waited by carousel four in the baggage claim area for nearly thirty minutes to grab our suitcases.

6. Wandered off

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Wandered off

Explanation: Walked away aimlessly from a group, person, or designated area without intending to cause trouble, often out of curiosity.

Examples:

  • The curious toddler wandered off while his mother was busy paying for groceries.
  • Make sure to hold your child's hand so they don't wander off into the busy street.

7. Worst-case scenario

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Worst-case scenario

Explanation: The most terrible or dangerous outcome imaginable in a given situation.

Examples:

  • When she realized her daughter wasn't in her bedroom, her mind immediately jumped to the worst-case scenario.
  • Security teams at theme parks are trained to prepare for every worst-case scenario to keep visitors safe.

8. Shuttle

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Shuttle

Explanation: A vehicle (such as a bus, van, or train) that travels back and forth regularly over a short route, often connecting airport terminals, parking lots, or venues.

Examples:

  • Parents were terrified the missing child might have stepped onto an airport shuttle bus alone.
  • We took the hotel shuttle directly from the airport terminal to our resort.

9. Ran over

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Ran over

Explanation: Rushed or moved quickly toward a specific person or location.

Examples:

  • As soon as the frantic mom saw her son near the exit, she ran over and wrapped him in a giant hug.
  • The lifeguard ran over to help the child who had fallen on the slippery pool deck.

10. Burst into tears

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Burst into tears

Explanation: Suddenly and uncontrollably began to cry, usually due to intense emotion like relief, fear, or sadness.

Examples:

  • After holding back her panic during the search, the mom burst into tears the moment her child was found safe.
  • He burst into tears of pure relief when he heard the comforting news.

11. Overwhelming

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Overwhelming

Explanation: So intense, powerful, or massive that it completely takes over one's thoughts or feelings, as if being washed over by giant ocean wave.

Examples:

  • Reunited with her son, she felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over her.
  • The loud noise and massive crowds at the amusement park were overwhelming for the young toddler.

12. Crucial

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Crucial

Explanation: Extremely important, essential, or decisive for success or safety.

Examples:

  • Teaching young children your phone number is a crucial safety step before visiting large public spaces.
  • Remaining calm during an emergency is crucial for making smart decisions.

13. Stay put

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Stay put

Explanation: To remain in one place without moving or leaving.

Examples:

  • Parents always instruct their kids to stay put if they ever realize they are lost in a store.
  • "Stay put right here by the bench while I buy our train tickets," she told her son.

14. Amen to that

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Amen to that

Explanation: An emphatic expression used to express strong agreement with a statement or sentiment just spoken.

Examples:

  • "Every parent needs a break once in a while." — "Amen to that!"
  • "I’m just glad all the kids made it home safe." — "Amen to that, absolute blessings."