noun
god of cowardice; timidity-causing spirit
Folkloric concept of a deity or spirit that makes a person timid or panicky. Often used in expressions like 臆病神がつく (to be seized by cowardice).
臆病神がついたように、彼は何も決断できなくなった。
As if possessed by the god of cowardice, he became unable to make any decisions.
臆病 is the common noun/adjective for 'cowardice' or 'timidity', while 臆病神 personifies that trait as a folkloric spirit.
Compound of 臆病 (cowardice) and 神 (god, spirit). The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a folk belief in spirits that influence human emotions.