gun-shy

Adjective

Positive gun-shy

Comparative more gun-shy

Superlative most gun-shy

1. If someone or something is gun-shy, they are afraid of guns.
   • Synonyms: fearful and frightened

   Although her father was a hunter, the little girl was gun-shy.

2. If someone or something is gun-shy, they are scared of the sound guns make.

   The dog was gun-shy of fireworks and thunder.

3. If someone or something is gun-shy, they are fearful or wary, especially because of past experience.
   • Synonyms: apprehensive, cautious, distrustful, hesitant, timid and wary
   • Antonyms: eager and trusting

   After crashing the car, I was gun-shy of driving.