¹countenance

noun coun·te·nance \ˈkau̇n-t^ən-ən(t)s, ˈkau̇nt-nən(t)s\

: the appearance of a person's face : a person's expression

Full Definition of COUNTENANCE

obsolete : bearing, demeanor

a : calm expression

b : mental composure

c : look, expression

archaic

a : aspect, semblance

b : pretense

: face, visage; especially : the face as an indication of mood, emotion, or character

: bearing or expression that offers approval or sanction : moral support

See countenance defined for English-language learners

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Examples of COUNTENANCE

… his white countenance was rendered eerie by the redness of the sagging lids below his eyes … —John Updike, The Afterlife, 1994
You could see it in his frame and deportment … a beaming countenance, expansive salutations, a warm handshake … —Simon Schama, Granta, Autumn 1990
All, all are kind to me but their tones fall strangely on my ear & their countenances meet mine not like home faces … —Emily Dickinson, 17 Feb. 1848, in Selected Letters, (1914) 1986
Before receiving him, Henry had so possessed himself that no one could guess from his countenance with what sentiments he remembered the young king. —Amy Kelly, Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Four Kings, 1950
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Origin of COUNTENANCE

Middle English contenance, from Anglo-French cuntenance, contenance, from Medieval Latin continentia, from Latin, restraint, from continent-, continens, present participle of continēre to hold together — more at contain

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to COUNTENANCE

Synonyms: cast, look, expression, face, visage

Antonyms: agitation, discomposure, perturbation

²countenance

verb coun·te·nance \ˈkau̇n-t^ən-ən(t)s, ˈkau̇nt-nən(t)s\

: to accept, support, or approve of (something)

coun·te·nancedcoun·te·nanc·ing

Full Definition of COUNTENANCE

transitive verb

: to extend approval or toleration to : sanction <refused to countenance any changes in the policy>

— coun·te·nanc·er noun

See countenance defined for English-language learners

Examples of COUNTENANCE

But there are only two logical choices … . If you can't countenance the first, you have to accept the second. —Anna Quindlen, Newsweek, 6 Aug. 2007
… the constellation of family emotions—love, obedience, rivalry, repression—can turn a family into a moral system of its own in which even the greatest horrors can be countenanced in the name of loyalty and love … —Scott Turow, Times Literary Supplement, 15 Mar. 1991
They disapproved of the marriage, and could not be expected to countenance it. —Thomas Hardy, Tess of the d'Urbervilles, 1891
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