timorous
UK: ˈtɪmərəs | US: ˈtɪmərəs
adj. easily frightened; lacking courage
adj. showing nervousness or fear
The word timorous traces back to the Latin timor (meaning "fear"), combined with the English suffix -ous (indicating "full of"). It entered Middle English via Old French timoré (fearful), retaining its core sense of being prone to fear. The morpheme timor is also seen in related words like timidity and intimidate, all sharing the thematic root of fear.
The timorous rabbit froze at the sound of footsteps.
Her timorous voice betrayed her anxiety during the speech.
He gave a timorous glance at the dark alley before walking past.
The timorous child clung to his mother in the crowded room.
Despite his timorous nature, he forced himself to confront the challenge.