To be frightened or to shrink back in fear; to tremble or cower from fear.
夜道で物音がして、怖じけて足がすくんだ。
A noise sounded on the night road and I froze up with fear.
突然の雷に犬が怖じけて、子供の膝の上に乗ってきた。
The sudden thunder frightened the dog, and it jumped onto the child's lap.