shook
Tone
Register
Intensity
Acknowledgment
by category
Gestures that signal agreement, recognition, or shared understanding.
verb·neutral
He inclined his head slightly, a silent acknowledgment of her words.
A subtle tilt of the head, signaling agreement or understanding.
verb·neutral
She gestured toward the empty chair, inviting him to join the conversation.
A movement of the hand or head, conveying recognition or invitation.
verb·neutral
Their eyes met, a silent confirmation of their shared resolve.
A direct gaze, establishing a connection and mutual understanding.
verb·neutral
He gesticulated wildly, his enthusiasm impossible to contain.
Using hands expressively to enhance acknowledgment or convey emotion.
verb·neutral
She acknowledged his presence with a slight smile, warmth in her eyes.
A verbal or physical act that confirms receipt or recognition.
verb·formal
He saluted her with a nod, a sign of deep respect.
A formal gesture, often used to express respect or recognition.
verb·neutral
He responded softly, his tone reflecting both agreement and concern.
A reply or reaction that indicates understanding or acceptance.
verb·casual
He winked conspiratorially, their secret safe between them.
A playful closing of one eye, suggesting shared understanding or complicity.
verb·neutral
She smirked, a knowing look passing between them.
A slight smile that conveys recognition, often with a hint of irony.
Dismissal
by category
Gestures that signal rejection, indifference, or shutting down.
verb·neutral
He brushed aside her concerns, focusing instead on his own ambitions.
A swift, dismissive movement indicating disregard or disinterest.
verb·casual
He waved off the suggestion, convinced of his own plan's superiority.
A casual gesture signaling rejection or dismissal of an idea or person.
verb·neutral
She dismissed his pleas with a cold stare, her decision unyielding.
An authoritative rejection, signaling the end of conversation or consideration.
verb·casual
She shooed the memories away, unwilling to revisit the pain.
A swift, often playful gesture indicating someone should leave or be quiet.
verb·neutral
He turned away from her, unable to face the truth of his failure.
A physical movement that signifies rejection or disinterest.
verb·neutral
He ignored her gaze, lost in his own thoughts.
Deliberate refusal to acknowledge someone or something.
verb·neutral
She looked past him, her heart closed off to his pleas.
A gesture of overtly ignoring someone, focusing on something else.
verb·neutral
He snubbed the invitation, preferring solitude over forced pleasantries.
An intentional act of rejection, often with a sense of disdain.
verb·neutral
He cast aside her words, convinced of his own truth.
A strong, definitive action indicating rejection or abandonment.
verb·neutral
She rejected his advances, her heart set on independence.
A firm refusal or dismissal of an idea, proposal, or person.
Tension
by emotion
Held bodies. Stress and anger expressed physically.
verb·neutral
Her hands quivered as she faced the crowd, fear pooling in her stomach.
A slight, involuntary tremble. Suggests unease or anticipation.
verb·neutral
His body tensed at the sound of her voice, a warning echoing in his ears.
Muscles drawn tight, signaling readiness or anxiety.
verb·neutral
Her voice trembled as she spoke, the weight of her words heavy in the air.
A shaking motion, often revealing vulnerability or fear.
verb·neutral
She stiffened at the accusation, her heart racing with indignation.
A sudden rigidity, often in response to shock or anger.
verb·neutral
He seethed in silence, words of fury trapped behind clenched teeth.
To bubble with suppressed anger. A simmering rage beneath the surface.
verb·neutral
His body coiled like a spring, ready to unleash a torrent of emotion.
Tightly wound, suggesting imminent release of pent-up energy.
verb·neutral
His jaw clenched as he fought to contain the storm brewing inside him.
Fists or jaws tightly closed, a clear sign of anger or determination.
verb·neutral
Panic seized her as she realized the truth, her breath quickening.
A sudden grip, often reflecting overwhelming emotion or urgency.
verb·neutral
He was wracked with guilt, each thought a dagger to his conscience.
Shaken or disturbed, often by intense emotion or turmoil.
verb·neutral
The tension simmered between them, unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.
To remain just below the boiling point, revealing tension or unresolved conflict.
Comfort or affection
by emotion
Warm gestures. Closeness or care.
verb·neutral
She cradled the fragile bird in her hands, warmth radiating from her touch.
Holding gently, conveying tenderness and security.
verb·neutral
He embraced her, as if shielding her from the world outside.
A close, enveloping gesture that signifies affection and acceptance.
verb·neutral
He touched her arm, a silent promise shared between them.
A light contact that conveys warmth and connection.
verb·neutral
She nestled against him, finding solace in his steady heartbeat.
Settled closely, suggesting warmth and comfort in proximity.
verb·neutral
She squeezed his hand, a silent vow of solidarity in the face of uncertainty.
A firm yet gentle grip that expresses affection and support.
verb·neutral
He leaned in closer, his breath a warm whisper against her skin.
A slight inclination toward someone, suggesting closeness and intimacy.
verb·neutral
They cuddled under the blanket, the world outside forgotten in their shared warmth.
A close embrace that conveys warmth and tenderness.
verb·neutral
She nuzzled into his shoulder, seeking comfort in his presence.
A gentle rubbing or pressing against someone, indicating affection.
verb·neutral
He caressed her cheek, tracing the line of her smile with his fingertips.
A soft, lingering touch that conveys deep affection.
verb·neutral
They snuggled together under the stars, the chill of the night forgotten.
To settle closely and comfortably, suggesting warmth and protection.
Anxiety or unease
by emotion
Fidgets, looks away, small disturbances. Nervousness leaking out.
verb·neutral
Her hands tremored as she reached for the doorknob, fear gripping her heart.
A subtle, involuntary quaking revealing deep-seated anxiety.
verb·neutral
He fidgeted with the edge of his sleeve, the silence stretching uncomfortably between them.
Restless movements reflecting inner turmoil or discomfort.
verb·neutral
His voice quaked as he spoke, betraying the confidence he tried to project.
A strong, visible shaking signaling intense fear or apprehension.
verb·neutral
He shifted his gaze to the floor, avoiding the weight of her stare.
Subtle movements indicating discomfort or emotional instability.
verb·neutral
He glanced at the door, every creak amplifying his anxiety.
Brief, darting looks that reveal unease and uncertainty.
verb·neutral
He flinched at the sudden noise, every muscle poised for flight.
A quick, involuntary reaction to perceived threats or discomfort.
verb·neutral
He stammered through his explanation, each word a battle against his nerves.
A hesitant, broken speech pattern revealing inner anxiety.
verb·neutral
Her voice wavered as she spoke, the weight of truth pressing down.
A fluctuation in stance or speech, reflecting uncertainty or fear.
Specific over generic
by style
Replace generic gestures with character-revealing ones.
verb·neutral
She jolted at the unexpected sound, her heart racing.
A sudden, sharp movement suggesting surprise or urgency.
verb·neutral
His eye twitched, a tell of his mounting frustration.
A small, involuntary movement reflecting agitation or stress.
verb·neutral
Her knees wobbled as she stepped onto the stage.
An unsteady movement hinting at uncertainty or hesitation.
verb·neutral
She shuddered at the thought, her skin prickling.
A convulsive movement often signaling dread or revulsion.
verb·neutral
His hand spasmed around the glass, threatening to drop it.
A sudden, involuntary contraction indicating distress or panic.
verb·neutral
Her fingertips vibrated with the energy of the moment.
A slight, rhythmic movement suggesting tension or anticipation.
verb·neutral
He lurched forward, caught off guard by the sudden news.
An abrupt, unsteady movement indicating surprise or disorientation.
verb·neutral
Her heart fluttered at the unexpected compliment.
A light, rapid movement suggesting nervousness or excitement.