crouch

American  

[krouch] / kraʊtʃ /

verb (used without object)

1. to stoop or bend low.

2. to bend close to the ground, as an animal preparing to spring or shrinking with fear.

3. to bow or stoop servilely; cringe.

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verb (used with object)

1. to bend low.

noun

1. the act of crouching.

crouch British  

/ kraʊtʃ /

verb

1. (intr) to bend low with the limbs pulled up close together, esp (of an animal) in readiness to pounce

2. (intr) to cringe, as in humility or fear

3. (tr) to bend (parts of the body), as in humility or fear

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noun

1. the act of stooping or bending

Other Word Forms

• croucher noun
• crouchingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of crouch

1175–1225; Middle English crouchen, perhaps blend of couchen to lie down ( couch ) and croken to crook ¹

Explanation

To crouch is to bend your knees, pull your body in, and sit on your heels. This position is called a crouch. You might crouch down to pet a kitten or catch a baseball. The catcher in baseball stands in a low crouch, waiting for the pitch. Little kids might crouch in a closet or under a table when they play hide and seek. People crouch when they’re in a small space or to keep themselves warm. When you’re in a crouch, your body takes up less space. Crouch comes from the French crochir, "become bent or crooked," after the shape of a hook or a croche.

Example Sentences

You crouch down low to enter a darkened shack.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

But don’t let fear put your portfolio into a defensive crouch.

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

The agency also recommends trying to look bigger, if possible, and warns people to never approach the big cat or crouch down.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 9, 2025

The truck began to crouch in its stance, sinking toward the ground.

From Slate • Jun. 22, 2025

She rose from her crouch and stepped into the hallway.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Related Words

• bend
• cower
• grovel
• huddle
• hunch
• kneel
• squat
• stoop
• wince