shy away

English

Etymology

shy + away.

Verb

shy away (third-person singular simple present shies away, present participle shying away, simple past and past participle shied away)

1. to draw back in fear, cringe, back down
   • O. H. Krill, A Situation Report on Our Acquisition of Advanced Technology and Interaction with Alien Cultures

     They may shy away if witnesses or law officers try to approach.

Related terms

• shy away from