white-knuckle

[ hwahyt-nuhk-uh l, wahyt- ]
/ ˈʰwaɪtˈnʌk əl, ˈwaɪt- /

adjective Informal.

causing fear, apprehension, or panic: The plane made a white-knuckle approach to the fogged-in airport.
experiencing fear, terror, or apprehension: The white-knuckle crowd loved that director's newest horror movie.
Often white-knuck·led.

British Dictionary definitions for white knuckle

white-knuckle

adjective

causing or experiencing fear or anxiety a white-knuckle ride