adj. 1 diffident, coy, bashful, retiring, withdrawn, withdrawing, reserved, timid, meek, modest, sheepish, unconfident, self-conscious, introverted, nervous, apprehensive, timorous, Rare verecund Casey is quite shy and you have to draw him out gently 2 timorous, cautious, wary, chary, leery, guarded, afraid, fearful, frightened, anxious, worried, suspicious, distrustful, cowardly, craven, uncourageous The local people are shy of anyone or anything unfamiliar 3 missing, lacking, deficient in, short of The shipment is shy a few dozen shoelaces we ordered
adv. 4 fight shy of. avoid, be unwilling or reluctant or averse or loath or loth or disinclined or not disposed; be wary or cautious or watchful The children fight shy of talking to strangers