frown

[ froun ]

verb (used without object)

1. to contract the brow, as in displeasure or deep thought; scowl.

   Synonyms: gloom, lower, glower

2. to look displeased; have an angry look.
3. to view with disapproval; look disapprovingly (usually followed by on or upon ):

   to frown upon a scheme.

verb (used with object)

1. to express by a frown:

   to frown one's displeasure.

2. to force or shame with a disapproving frown:

   to frown someone into silence.

noun

1. a frowning look; scowl.
2. any expression or show of disapproval:

   a tax bill that received Congressional frowns.

frown

/ fraʊn /

verb

1. intr to draw the brows together and wrinkle the forehead, esp in worry, anger, or concentration
2. intr; foll by on or upon to have a dislike (of); look disapprovingly (upon)

   the club frowned upon political activity by its members

3. tr to express (worry, etc) by frowning
4. troften foll bydown to force, silence, etc, by a frowning look

noun

1. the act of frowning
2. a show of dislike or displeasure

Derived Forms

• ˈfrowningly, adverb
• ˈfrowner, noun

Other Words From

• frowner noun
• frowning·ly adverb
• half-frowning adjective
• half-frowning·ly adverb
• un·frowning adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of frown¹

1350–1400; Middle English frounen < Old French froignier, derivative of froigne surly expression, probably < Gaulish *frognā; compare Welsh ffroen, Old Breton fron nostril, Old Irish srón nose < Celtic *srognā or *sroknā

Word History and Origins

Origin of frown¹

C14: from Old French froigner , of Celtic origin; compare Welsh ffroen nostril, Middle Breton froan

Example Sentences

Owners might initially frown on a woman being a jockey.

From BBC

In between his chances to speak Walz would frown, though he did steady later in the debate.

From Salon

That bacteria is also used to make Botox - shots used by the cosmetic industry to manage wrinkles and frown lines.

From BBC

Mr Zelensky appeared to frown, but equally it may have been the sun in his eyes.

From BBC

The justices usually frown on lawsuits or appeals that seek to change voting rules on the eve of an election.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• glare
• glower
• grimace
• pout