shy

Definition

  • verb: to move away from something because of fear
  • verb: to develop or show a dislike or distaste
  • adjective: feeling nervous and uncomfortable about meeting and talking to people
  • adjective: easily frightened
  • usually used with 'from' or 'away from'
  • synonyms: timid, reserved, coy

Examples

  • He was two weeks 'shy of' his 19th birthday when he joined the army.

  • The ball stopped just a few inches 'shy of' the hole.

  • He's three credits 'shy of' his bachelor's degree.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) future of American justice. How many like Thomas King will pay for their crimes now that RoboCop is here. Yes! Let's not shy away from what this means people. Men weren't up to the task. But Alex Murphy, a robot cop was. We can't take him off the street. (..)
    2014 RoboCop