Furtive

adjective/ˈfɝtɪv/character

Definition

Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive.

Etymology

From Middle English *furtyve (implied in furtyvely (adverb)), from Middle French furtif, furtive (“furtive, stealthy”) (modern French furtif), from Latin fūrtīvus (“clandestine, furtive, secret; concealed, hidden; stolen”), from fūrtum (“theft; robbery”) (from fūr (“thief”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *bʰer- (“to bear, carry”)) + -īvus (suffix forming adjectives).

Synonyms

clandestine, surreptitious

In a sentence

He cast a furtive glance at the competitor's booth.