scowl

[ skoul ]

verb (used without object)

1. to draw down or contract the brows in a sullen, displeased, or angry manner.

   Synonyms: glare, lower, frown

2. to have a gloomy or threatening look.

   Synonyms: gloom, glower

verb (used with object)

1. to affect or express with a scowl.

noun

1. a scowling expression, look, or aspect.

scowl

/ skaʊl /

verb

1. intr to contract the brows in a threatening or angry manner

noun

1. a gloomy or threatening expression

Other Words From

• scowler noun
• scowlful adjective
• scowling·ly adverb
• un·scowling adjective
• un·scowling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of scowl¹

1300–50; Middle English scoulen (v.); perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Danish skule to scowl, Norwegian skule to look furtively, though these may be < Low German schūlen to spy

Word History and Origins

Origin of scowl¹

C14: probably from Scandinavian; compare Danish skule to look down, Old English scūlēgede squint-eyed

Example Sentences

Shady’s adenoidal whine is nowhere to be found on this record, replaced with a sinister, very adult scowl.

From Salon

Rather, it was the pose, the look, the scowl, while running, leaping, somersaulting, sliding and staring.

From Los Angeles Times

“Kamala Harris carries my grandfather’s legacy. She knows what is right, and she fights for it. She understands that leadership is about service, not selfishness, that you can show strength and demonstrate decency, and that you can get a whole lot more done with a smile than with a scowl.”

From Los Angeles Times

His waxen face was frozen in a perpetual scowl.

From Los Angeles Times

Todd Blanche, Mr. Trump’s lead lawyer, stood a half-step behind, mimicking his client’s scowl.

From New York Times

Related Words

• glare
• glower
• grimace