cower

[ kou-er ]

verb (used without object)

1. to crouch, as in fear or shame.

   Synonyms: quail, flinch, recoil, cringe

cower

/ ˈkaʊə /

verb

1. intr to crouch or cringe, as in fear

Other Words From

• cower·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of cower¹

1250–1300; Middle English couren; cognate with Norwegian, Swedish kūra, Middle Low German kūren, German kauern

Word History and Origins

Origin of cower¹

C13: from Middle Low German kūren to lie in wait; related to Swedish kura to lie in wait, Danish kure to squat

Example Sentences

Until our lawmakers pass bold, meaningful action, more children will cower behind desks, texting their family “I love you” as shots ring out just beyond the classroom door.

From Salon

Rather than blame Haitians or any other immigrant group for these structural issues, it is essential not to cower to these fears but to shine the light on institutions that make life difficult—such as the decades of corporate deindustrialization—and the people who should remedy it: the government.

From Slate

Will that spur the Iranians to turn up the heat, both to puncture Israel’s complacency and to assure their own allies that they don’t cower in the face of direct attack?

From Slate

I would cower in my room or the hallway, shoveling Froot Loops into my mouth until the apartment was no longer an office but our home again.

From Los Angeles Times

She said everyone was here tonight to show Trump “exactly how we deal with bullies. … We don’t cower, we don’t turn away. We show up. We speak up.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cringe
• crouch
• flinch
• recoil
• skulk
• tremble
• wince