timorous
TIM-er-usadjMeaning fearful and nervous by nature
Memory hook TIM-OR-MOUSE: a mouse full of fear. Timmy the mouse trembles at every creak of the floor and every shadow on the wall. A creature that is always afraid is timorous.
The timorous deer froze at the snap of a twig.
In context Unlike his bold older sister, Leo was a timorous child who checked under the bed every night and never went near the creek alone.
Similar fearful, timid, nervous, jumpy
Opposite bold, brave, fearless
From Medieval Latin timorosus, “fearful,” from Latin timor (fear), from timere (to fear).