First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
cower
verb cow·er \ˈkau̇(-ə)r\
: to move back or bend your body down because you are afraid
Full Definition of COWER
intransitive verb
: to shrink away or crouch especially for shelter from something that menaces, domineers, or dismays
See cower defined for English-language learners
See cower defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of COWER
Middle English couren, probably from Middle Low German kūren
Synonym Discussion of COWER
fawn, toady, truckle, cringe, cower mean to behave abjectly before a superior. fawn implies seeking favor by servile flattery or exaggerated attention <waiters fawning over a celebrity>. toady suggests the attempt to ingratiate oneself by an abjectly menial or subservient attitude <toadying to his boss>. truckle implies the subordination of oneself and one's desires or judgment to those of a superior <truckling to a powerful lobbyist>. cringe suggests a bowing or shrinking in fear or servility <a cringing sycophant>. cower suggests a display of abject fear in the company of threatening or domineering people <cowering before a bully>.
COWER Defined for Kids
cower
verb cow·er \ˈkau̇-ər\
cow·eredcow·er·ing
Definition of COWER for Kids
: to shrink away or crouch down shivering (as from fear) <The thunder made our dog cower.>
Learn More About COWER
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up cower? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).