timid

Etymology

From Middle French timide, from Latin timidus (“full of fear, fearful, timid”), from timeō (“I fear”).

adj

1. Lacking in courage or confidence.
   John's a very timid person. I'll doubt he'll be brave enough to face his brother.
   When Timothy and Julia hurried up the staircase to the bedroom floor, where a considerable commotion was taking place, Tim took Barry Leach with him. […]. The captive made no resistance and came not only quietly but in a series of eager little rushes like a timid dog on a choke chain. 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 19, in The China Governess