Scared to take attention (4)
I believe the answer is:
care
This clue is a double definition.
'scared' is the first definition.
(I know that scared can be written as care)
'attention' is the second definition.
(I know that attention can be written as care)
'to take' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for care that I've seen before include "Guardianship; anxiety" , "Prudence" , "Protective custody" , "Safekeeping" , "Be concerned or nurse" .)