craven
Americanadjective
noun
verb (used with object)
idioms
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
- cravenly adverb
- cravenness noun
- uncraven adjective
Etymology
Origin of craven
1175–1225; Middle English cravant, cravaunde defeated < Old French craventé, past participle of cravanter to crush, overwhelm (< Vulgar Latin *crepantāre ), influenced by Middle English creaunt defeated ( recreant )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
More churlish souls might attribute such stubborn determination to craven commercial interests, but something more is in play.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2025
"We would not wish to emulate their most craven tactics, of course, but could learn something from their strategic resolve."
From Salon • Jan. 7, 2025
She might see it that way, but many voters — including those she most needs to impress — are more likely to see it as annoying and craven.
From Salon • Oct. 22, 2024
The judge’s admonishment of Peters was breathtaking as he rejected her lies and laid bare her craven motivations and manipulations.
From Slate • Oct. 22, 2024
"Is that what troubles you, that some fool might call you craven?"
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
