Real Dictionary

-shy
combining form: -shy is added to nouns to form adjectives which indicate that someone does not like a particular thing, and tries to avoid it. For example, someone who is camera-shy does not like having their photograph taken.

shy
adjective: A shy person is nervous and uncomfortable in the company of other people.
adjective: If you are shy of doing something, you are unwilling to do it because you are afraid of what might happen.
verb: When a horse shies, it moves away suddenly, because something has frightened it.

shy in American English 1
easily frightened or startled; timid
to move suddenly as when startled; jump; start; recoil
adjective: bashful; retiring

shy in American English 2
to throw or fling, esp. sideways with a jerk
to throw with a swift, sudden movement
noun: a quick, sudden throw

shy in British English 1
adjective: not at ease in the company of others
noun: a sudden movement, as from fear
verb: to move suddenly, as from fear

shy in British English 2
noun: a quick throw
verb: to throw (something) with a sideways motion