shy
UK[ʃaɪ]US[ʃaɪ]
adj
nervous or timid in the company of other people
adj
(of a wild animal) easily frightened; timid
v
(especially of a horse) to move suddenly or jump sideways or backwards in fear
v
to avoid or move away from something due to nervousness or caution
Etymology
the word 'shy' originates from the old english term 'sceoh', meaning 'timid' or 'easily frightened'. it is related to the middle high german word 'schiech', which also means 'timid'. the core semantic concept of drawing back or recoiling, present in the old english, has persisted through the centuries. its modern meanings, encompassing social timidity, animal wariness, and the act of starting away, all stem from this fundamental idea of a fearful or cautious recoil.
Analysis
the word 'shy' is a simplex word of old english origin. it does not break down into smaller, meaningful morphemes within modern english spelling.
Examples
she was too shy to speak in front of the large audience.
the deer are shy creatures and quickly disappear into the woods.
the horse shied at the sudden noise on the road.