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What is another word for Scaredy-Cat? – 170 Scaredy-Cat Synonyms

    Need another word for Scaredy-Cat? Use these synonyms of Scaredy-Cat from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    coward fearful timid anxious nervous apprehensive frightened afraid terrified petrified spineless weak faint-hearted yellow-bellied craven chicken fearful trembly quaking cowering shaky jittery jumpy on edge high-strung tense uptight worried uneasy fainthearted recreant pusillanimous irresolute vacillating hesitant diffident lacking courage spiritless timorous abject groveling cringing servile obsequious

    Meaning of Scaredy-Cat

    A person who is excessively fearful or timid.

    Definitions

    • A person who is excessively fearful or timid, especially in a way that is considered contemptible or unbecoming.
    • A person who is easily intimidated or frightened, often in a manner that is perceived as lacking courage or strength.

    Etymology of Scaredy-Cat

    The term "Scaredy-Cat" is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century, with the first recorded use in the 1930s.
    The phrase is thought to have come from the idea that a cat, typically considered a fierce or proud animal, is instead cowering in fear, much like the person being described.

    Example Uses

    • He's such a scaredy-cat, he won't even try to ride a rollercoaster.
    • She's a scaredy-cat when it comes to public speaking, but she's working on building her confidence.
    • My little brother is a scaredy-cat, he's afraid of the dark and always sleeps with a nightlight.

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    brave courageous fearless daring bold confident valiant heroic stalwart intrepid dauntless undaunted unafraid unflinching unshrinking resolute determined plucky spirited adventurous audacious dashing gallant chivalrous confident self-assured assured poised collected calm unruffled

    Related Nouns

    fear anxiety cowardice timidity nervousness apprehension trepidation dread terror fright alarm panic phobia anxiety disorder fearfulness intimidation bullying harassment torment persecution abuse mistreatment cruelty brutality violence aggression hostility belligerence pugnacity bellicosity

    Related Verbs

    fear intimidate threaten bully harass torment persecute abuse mistreat terrorize frighten alarm panic scare startle shock stun dismay appall horrify perturb disturb upset rattle unnerve cow daunt discourage dishearten demoralize debilitate

    Related Adjectives

    fearful timid anxious nervous apprehensive frightened afraid terrified petrified cowardly craven chicken yellow-bellied spineless weak faint-hearted trembling quaking cowering shaky jittery jumpy high-strung tense uptight worried uneasy fainthearted recreant pusillanimous irresolute vacillating hesitant diffident