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Meaning of skittish
The primary meaning of the word "skittish" is being nervous or easily frightened.
Etymology of skittish
The word "skittish" has its roots in the Old Norse word "skjotr", meaning "swift" or "agile", which is also related to the Old English word "scīth", meaning "swift" or "prompt"
Historically, the word "skittish" was first used in the 16th century to describe horses that were nervous or easily startled, and later its usage was extended to describe people with similar characteristics
Synonyms
nervous
high-strung
jittery
jumpy
edgy
tense
anxious
apprehensive
fearful
timid
shy
bashful
retiring
diffident
coy
demure
modest
unassuming
unconfident
uncertain
unpredictable
erratic
volatile
mercurial
capricious
whimsical
flighty
skittery
spooky
restive
fidgety
uneasy
queasy
on edge
ill at ease
Definitions
- Having a nervous or excitable temperament, prone to sudden movements or changes in mood
- Easily frightened or startled, tending to be timid or shy
- Unpredictable or volatile in behavior or attitude
Usage Examples
- The skittish horse refused to jump over the obstacle
- She was a skittish child, always nervous around new people
- The stock market has been skittish lately, with prices fluctuating wildly