craven

[ krey-vuhn ]

adjective

1. cowardly; contemptibly timid; pusillanimous.

   Synonyms: timorous, fearful, dastardly

noun

1. a coward.

verb (used with object)

1. to make cowardly.

craven

/ ˈkreɪvən /

adjective

1. cowardly; mean-spirited

noun

1. a coward

Derived Forms

• ˈcravenness, noun
• ˈcravenly, adverb

Other Words From

• craven·ly adverb
• craven·ness noun
• un·craven adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of craven¹

1175–1225; Middle English cravant, cravaunde defeated < Old French craventé, past participle of cravanter to crush, overwhelm (< Vulgar Latin *crepantāre ), influenced by Middle English creaunt defeated ( recreant )

Word History and Origins

Origin of craven¹

C13 cravant, probably from Old French crevant bursting, from crever to burst, die, from Latin crepāre to burst, crack

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. cry craven, to yield; capitulate; give up.

Example Sentences

But then, so is the Army, which cravenly accommodated Trump in a similar fashion by issuing a non-report to avoid any embarrassment to Trump.

From Salon

She might see it that way, but many voters — including those she most needs to impress — are more likely to see it as annoying and craven.

From Salon

Or, for that matter, the jealous, craven Guy rising to the surface, whom Stan nails hilariously with each stewing grimace.

From Los Angeles Times

The debacle encapsulates the craven elements of his lust for power:

From Salon

The glow of paradise is offset by the stench of crime, usually committed by craven schemers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• mean-spirited