臆おくす

godan verb (-su), intransitive verb

be hesitant; feel timid; shrink back

Describes a person's internal hesitation or timidity, often in the face of a challenge or social situation. The related form 臆する is more common in modern Japanese.

See also: 臆する

• 彼かれは大おお勢ぜいの前まえで話はなすのを臆おくしている。

  He is hesitant to speak in front of a large audience.

• 臆おくさずに自じ分ぶんの意い見けんを言いいなさい。

  Don't be timid; speak your mind.