fainthearted
UK: ˈfeɪntˌhɑːtɪd | US: ˈfeɪntˌhɑːrtɪd
adj. lacking courage or confidence; timid
adj. easily frightened or discouraged
The word "fainthearted" combines "faint" (from Old French feint, meaning "weak" or "cowardly") and "heart" (from Old English heorte, symbolizing courage or spirit). The suffix "-ed" turns it into an adjective. Historically, a "faint heart" was associated with timidity or lack of resolve, evolving into the modern sense of being easily discouraged. The term reflects the metaphorical link between physical weakness (faintness) and emotional fragility.
The fainthearted soldier hesitated before entering the battlefield.
She felt too fainthearted to speak in front of the large audience.
Adventures like mountain climbing are not for the fainthearted.
His fainthearted response disappointed the team during the crisis.
The horror movie was too intense for the fainthearted viewers.