26984 words

shy

7 definitions • 11 examples
1
nervous and uncomfortable with other people:

Examples:

He was too shy to ask her to dance with him.
She gave a shy smile.
Children are often shy of/with people they don't know.
The deer were shy (= unwilling to be near people) and hid behind some trees.
2
less than:

Examples:

We're only $100 shy of the total amount.
3
(of a horse) to suddenly move sideways or backwards, especially because of fear:

Examples:

The horse shied at the fence.
There's a lot of traffic on the road - I'm sure my horse is going to shy.
4
to throw something suddenly, often in a sideways movement:

Examples:

Two small boys were shying stones at a tree.
5
avoiding or not liking the thing mentioned:

Examples:

camera-shy
work-shy
6
uncomfortable with other people and unwilling to talk to them:

Examples:

He was too shy to ask her to dance with him.
7
(of a horse) to move back suddenly, esp. from fear or surprise.

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