leeriness

A fox shows its leeriness as it watches a farmer from the edge of the woods.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Suspicion or wariness: "leeriness" refers to a state of being cautious or distrustful, often due to a sense that something is potentially dangerous or deceptive.

Usage Examples

• (Her cautious distrust of unfamiliar people.)
• (Her wariness due to possible deception.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have a leeriness of something": to feel suspicious or wary toward a particular thing.
  • He has a natural leeriness of any offer that seems too good to be true. (He is instinctively cautious about overly attractive offers.)

Variants and Related Words

• Leery (adj): feeling or showing suspicion or distrust.

  • She was leery of the dark alley. (She was cautious and suspicious about the dark alley.)

• Leeriness is the noun form of leery; it is less common than the adjective.

Synonyms

• Suspicion: a feeling or belief that someone is guilty of something or that something is wrong.
• Distrust: lack of trust or confidence in someone or something.
• Wariness: caution and watchfulness, especially in the face of potential danger.

Related Idioms

• To be on one’s guard: to be cautious and ready to defend oneself.
  • Given the recent scams, she was on her guard against any unsolicited calls. (She was wary and prepared.)