quail at (verb)

1. As the protagonist stepped into the haunted house, she couldn't help but quail at the unknown horrors that awaited her.

2. The superhero quailed at the thought of facing his arch-nemesis in a battle to save the city.

3. The avant-garde designer's edgy collection made many traditional fashionistas quail at the idea of wearing such unconventional attire.

4. The devout worshipper quailed at the prospect of challenging her faith by questioning long-held beliefs.