Skittish is an adjective that describes someone or something as being nervous, easily frightened, or having a tendency to become startled or jumpy. It can also refer to a person or animal that is unpredictable, restless, or lacking in stability or consistency.
When used to describe an individual, skittish suggests a person who is highly apprehensive or anxious, often reacting with fear or unease in situations that others may find more manageable. Skittish people tend to be easily alarmed and may display nervous or fidgety behavior, such as trembling, increased heart rate, or avoidance of certain situations.
When applied to animals, skittish refers to a state of being nervous, alert, or easily spooked. Skittish animals are often prone to sudden movements or fleeing at the slightest provocation. This term is commonly used to describe horses, for example, which may become skittish if they encounter unusual sounds or unfamiliar objects.
In a broader sense, skittish can also describe a situation or phenomena that is uncertain, volatile, or liable to change abruptly. For instance, a skittish stock market is characterized by high levels of unpredictability and rapid fluctuations in value.
Overall, skittish denotes a state of nervousness, apprehension, or unpredictability, whether in reference to a person, animal, or situation. It is a term that highlights the tendency to become easily frightened or prone to sudden movements.
