What does skittishness mean?

Skittishness is a state of being easily frightened or startled. It implies a nervous, jumpy, and unpredictable disposition, often accompanied by a tendency to react quickly and sometimes excessively to perceived threats or changes in the environment.

Here are some synonyms for skittishness:

* Nervous

* Fidgety

* Restless

* Timid

* Jumpy

* Apprehensive

* High-strung

Examples:

* "The horse was skittish and kept trying to bolt from the stable."

* "The crowd was skittish after the bomb scare."

* "She has a skittish personality and easily gets flustered in social situations."

Origin:

The word "skittish" likely originated from the Old English word "scit," which meant "to move quickly" or "to leap."