Cower - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To cower means to crouch down in fear or shame, often trembling or trying to make oneself appear smaller. It suggests a reaction to intimidation or threat.
Definition:
To crouch or shrink back in fear or shame.
Synonyms:
cringe, shrink, recoil, flinch
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
confront, stand tall
Common Collocations:
cower in fear, cower before authority, cower under pressure
Derivatives:
cowering, cowered
Usage Tips:
Use "cower" to describe someone shrinking back physically or emotionally due to fear or intimidation.
Common Phrases:
cower in the corner, make someone cower, cower like a dog
Etymology:
From Middle English *couren*, meaning "to crouch," possibly of Scandinavian origin.
Examples:
- 1. The dog began to cower during the thunderstorm.
- 2. She saw him cower when the teacher raised her voice.
- 3. The bully made the smaller kids cower in fear.
- 4. They cowered behind the door as the intruder approached.