shy

shy

shy¹ [shī]

adj.

shyer or shier, shyest or shiest [ME schei, dial. development < OE sceoh, akin to Ger scheu, shy, prob. < IE * skeuk-, harassed (> OSlav ščuti, to pursue); akin to * skeub- > SCOFF¹]

1. easily frightened or startled; timid

2. not at ease with other people; extremely self-conscious; bashful

3. showing distrust or caution; wary

4. not bearing or breeding well, as some plants; unproductive

☆ 5. Slang

a) not having paid money due, as one's poker ante

b) lacking; short (on or of)

vi.

shied, shying

1. to move suddenly as when startled; jump; start; recoil [the horse shied at the gunshot]

2. to react negatively; be or become cautious or unwilling; draw back: often with at or from

n.

pl. shies

an act of shying; start, as of a horse

——————

fight shy of

to keep from; avoid; evade

shyer

n.

shyly

adv.

shyness

n.

SYN.- SHY¹ implies a shrinking from the notice of others and a reticence in approaching them, either as an inherent trait or as resulting from inexperience; BASHFUL implies such shyness as is displayed in awkward behavior and embarrassed timidity; DIFFIDENT implies a self-distrust and lack of self-confidence that makes one reluctant to assert oneself; MODEST implies an unassuming manner in one who, because of ability, achievements, etc., might be expected to assert himself or herself strongly; DEMURE, in current usage, suggests a decorously modest manner, often one that is affectedly so

-ANT. BOLD, CONFIDENT

shy² [shī]

vt., vi.

shied, shying [< ?]

to throw or fling, esp. sideways with a jerk [shying stones at a target]

n.

pl. shies

1. the act of shying; fling

2. Informal a try or attempt

3. Informal a gibe