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 Word Forms

• 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

Leaders don’t cower in fear of ignorant extremists, no matter how many of them there are.

From Los Angeles Times

The virus has overcome the Republicans, laid low the Democrats who seemingly have no answer to Trump other than to cower before him and let him have his way.

From Salon

Officers were caught out and Christmas shoppers were forced to cower for cover in city centre shops when huge groups of fans chased and fought each other in chaotic scenes in Glasgow in December.

From BBC

When North Wales Police raided the cannabis farm they found two Albanian men cowering in a corner, both of whom claim to have been trafficked into the country to tend the 1,000 plants inside.

From BBC

Tony Gribben describes "cowering like a dog", as he was "beaten down" by his abuser at his boarding school.

From BBC

Related Words

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