General Synonyms:
* Cowered: This implies a more fearful reaction, often involving shrinking back physically.
* Recoiled: This suggests a sudden, involuntary movement away from something unpleasant.
* Flinched: This emphasizes a brief, quick movement away from something threatening or unpleasant.
* Shrunk back: This is a more literal description of the physical act of moving away.
* Withdrew: This implies a deliberate act of moving back or away from something.
* Avoided: This focuses on the act of staying away from something.
* Escaped: This emphasizes the act of getting away from something dangerous or unpleasant.
Synonyms emphasizing fear or avoidance:
* Feared: This emphasizes the emotion driving the action.
* Dread: This suggests a feeling of intense fear or apprehension.
* Hesitated: This implies uncertainty or reluctance to proceed.
* Balked: This suggests a sudden, strong resistance to doing something.
Synonyms emphasizing reluctance or unwillingness:
* Refused: This emphasizes the act of declining to do something.
* Declined: This suggests a more polite way of saying no.
* Reluctantly agreed: This implies that the action was taken with some hesitation.
* Resisted: This suggests a stronger opposition to the action.
The best synonym for "shied" will depend on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.