Water-wary

Water-wary describes an individual, animal, or object that exhibits caution, apprehension, or reluctance around water. This behavior can stem from a variety of factors, including a past negative experience (like near-drowning), a natural aversion to the feeling or unpredictability of water, or a learned behavior based on perceived danger. The degree of water-wariness can range from mild hesitation to outright avoidance, reflecting the intensity of the underlying cause and the individual's temperament.

Water-wary meaning with examples

• The elderly Labrador was surprisingly water-wary. Despite his breed's love for swimming, a near-drowning incident as a puppy had instilled a deep fear. Now, he would only tentatively dip a paw in the shallows, always keeping a watchful eye on the waves. His owners, understanding his past trauma, patiently encouraged him to enjoy the water without pressuring him to swim.
• After witnessing a boat capsize, the child became water-wary. He refused to go near the lake, even on the sandy beach, and would cling to his parents whenever they were near the water. His fear was a direct result of the unsettling event, and though he desperately wanted to paddle like his older sibling, he just couldn't.
• The cat was water-wary, barely tolerating even a small drop. She leaped back from a dripping faucet, exhibiting the classic arched back and hissing defensive posture. Her dislike of the water was innate. She had likely never enjoyed the sensation or the experience of a bath, much to the frustration of her owner.
• The boat was water-wary. The hull had developed a leak after a rock strike and it required constant bailing to keep it from taking on too much water. Sailors kept a constant look out for any additional sign of damage from waves or the wind, knowing a sudden storm could be disastrous.
• The deer was water-wary when approaching the stream. It took cautious steps towards the water's edge, carefully scanning its surroundings for potential predators before finally lowering its head to drink. Its heightened sense of vulnerability likely fueled the hesitation.