timid
adj/ˈtɪmɪd/
Etymology From Middle French timide, from Latin timidus (“full of fear, fearful, timid”), from timeō (“to fear”).
1
Lacking in courage or confidence.
- John's a very timid person. I doubt he'll be brave enough to face his brother.
- When Timothy and Julia hurried up the staircase to the bedroom floor, where a considerable commotion was taking place, Tim took Barry Leach with him.[…]. The captive made no resistance and came not only quietly but in a series of eager little rushes like a timid dog on a choke chain.1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 19, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC:
- Derived terms
- timid as a mouse, timid as a rabbit, timidity, timidly, timidness, timidsome, untimid
- Related terms
- intimidate, intimidation