Definition of "shyness" [shy•ness]

• The quality of being shy; a fear of social interactions. (noun)

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• "This shyness is hereditary-and, indeed, had not my parents been so shy as they were, I should be standing before you several years older than I am at the moment!"
• "But she was under the impression that there was a magic in her name and station which would overcome what she described as shyness, but which was in point of fact the frank dislike of her neighbours."
• "That repose of manner which is commonly believed to be the heirloom of noble birth is seen quite as often in the low-born adventurer, who regards it as part of his stock-in-trade; and there are many women, and men too, whose position might be expected to place them beyond the reach of what we call shyness, but who nevertheless suffer daily agonies of social timidity and would rather face alone a charge of cavalry than make a new acquaintance."