First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
skittish
adjective skit·tish \ˈski-tish\
of an animal : easily frightened or excited
: nervous or fearful about doing something
: tending to change often : not dependable or stable
Full Definition of SKITTISH
1
a : lively or frisky in action : capricious b : variable, fluctuating
2
: easily frightened : restive <a skittish horse>
3
— skit·tish·ly adverb
— skit·tish·ness noun
See skittish defined for English-language learners
See skittish defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SKITTISH
Middle English, from skit- (probably from Old Norse skyt-) + -ish
Related to SKITTISH
- Synonyms
- fiddle-footed, flighty, fluttery, high-strung, hyper, hyperactive, hyperexcitable, hyperkinetic, jittery, jumpy, nervous, skittery, excitable, spasmodic, spooky
- Antonyms
- imperturbable, nerveless, unexcitable, unflappable, unshakable
Rhymes with SKITTISH
SKITTISHLY Defined for Kids
skittish
adjective skit·tish \ˈski-tish\
Definition of SKITTISH for Kids
: easily frightened <a skittish horse>
Learn More About SKITTISH
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up skittish? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).