Are you writing a mystery novel in which a major character is fearful about being spied upon? In this post, we cover the topic of how to describe the feeling of being watched in writing through the 10 words below.
1. Affirming
Definition
To show support for or to validate something.
Examples
“As she shared her ambitious goals, he looked at her with a proud and affirming smile that let her know he would be with her every step of the way.”
“As his parents watched on affirmingly from the audience, he knew that they finally understood his passion for dance.”
How it Adds Description
Being watched can sometimes make people feel valued, especially if the person looking at them has previously been dismissive of them. If the eyes of others bring support to your character, consider describing them as “affirming”.
2. Chilling
Definition
Examples
“The chilling feeling of being watched began to crawl up her neck, as she built up the courage to turn around and see who was there.”
“The chilling eyes of the serial killer seemed to bore through the one-way mirror to stare directly at the detective.”
How it Adds Description
The feeling of being watched can sometimes be goosebump-inducing, especially when you do not know who is watching you. Help to build the tension and fear for your character and reader by describing the feeling of being watched as “chilling”.
3. Creepy
Definition
Unpleasant and making someone feel uncomfortable or frightened.
Examples
“The way that the man was watching her from across the bar was creepy. His lecherous grin made her sick to her stomach.”
“Some of his fans gazed on in admiration, but some of them were beyond creepy as they stared at him on stage.”
How it Adds Description
When people watch us with ill-intentions it can often be “creepy”, especially if it is in a way that might make us feel uncomfortable. Help your reader to feel as weirded out as your characters are and wish for a speedy exit from the situation.
4. Exhilarating
Definition
Making someone feel excited and happy.
Examples
“Knowing that so many eyes were on her taking center stage for the first time was simply exhilarating.”
“He didn’t steal out of necessity, but for the exhilarating thrill of not knowing if someone was watching him or not.”
How it Adds Description
Sometimes the feeling of being watched can be a rush for people, especially performers, and those who might be doing something they probably shouldn’t! Help to describe the high your characters are getting by describing it as “exhilarating”.
5. Piercing
Definition
- Going through and into something.
- Making someone feel cold.
- Sharp or powerful.
Examples
“The piercing gaze of the exam invigilator struck fear into the students.”
“His piercing stare seemed to cut right through her, making her drop the cookie jar in shock.”
How it Adds Description
Sometimes the gaze of someone watching you can be so powerful that it is able to stop you in your tracks as if someone has stabbed you. Describing a gaze as “piercing” can help your reader to understand just how much of an effect it has had on your character.
6. Scrutinized
Definition
Being examined very carefully and in great detail.
Examples
“No matter where he went or what he did, he could not escape the scrutinizing judgment of his mother-in-law.”
“Her boss was breathing down her neck at all times, with every phone call and email being scrutinized.”
How it Adds Description
Someone that is “scrutinized” is being controlled or overseen by another. This might be because they are not to be trusted, or it could be that they are being unfairly oppressed, helping you to demonstrate to your reader their development when they finally make a stand against the person watching over and judging them.
7. Spine-Chilling
Definition
Extremely frightening.
Examples
“As she walked down the dark alley, she couldn’t shake off the spine-chilling feeling of being watched, causing her heart to race.”
“As she stared into the abandoned house, she felt a spine-chilling sensation that it might not be as abandoned as she had first thought.”
How it Adds Description
The feeling of being watched can often elicit a physical sensation, especially when it is something we are not expecting or that is making us frightened. Use the word “spine-chilling” to help your reader to empathize with your character and perhaps even get the heebie-jeebies too!
8. Stifling
Definition
Preventing something from happening.
Examples
“The constant watchful gaze of others left her feeling stifled and unable to freely express herself.”
“Being overseen by his mother at every single competition stifled his ability to flourish.”
How it Adds Description
Being constantly watched can often lead people to make mistakes or feel limited in what they can do. This is often caused by the overbearing influence of a character who is limiting another in some way. To describe the impact of someone watching every move they make, consider using the word “stifled”.
9. Uncomfortable
Definition
- Not feeling good or relaxed.
- Making someone feel embarrassed.
Examples
“The eyes of the audience on him made him feel incredibly uncomfortable and he could feel his legs turning to jelly.”
“The judgemental looks from the people on the street made her feel even more uncomfortable about her muddy and ripped clothes.”
How it Adds Description
Describe how awkward your characters feel because someone is looking at them with the word “uncomfortable”. This could be due to how they feel others perceive them, or perhaps an embarrassing event that leaves them cringing.
10. Unnerving
Definition
Making someone lose their confidence and become scared.
Examples
“The intensity of his stare was unnerving and made her feel like he was peering into the depths of her soul.”
“The way the stranger’s unblinking gaze lingered on her for just a few moments too long left her feeling unnerved and on edge.”
How it Adds Description
“Unnerving” helps you to describe how being watched might become worrying to your characters, especially when they may have been feeling fine before. It could be that a situation has started to become sinister, or a new threat is on the horizon that your character and your reader need to prepare for!