First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1frown
verb \ˈfrau̇n\
: to make a frown in anger, concentration, etc.
Full Definition of FROWN
intransitive verb
1
: to contract the brow in displeasure or concentration
2
: to give evidence of displeasure or disapproval by or as if by facial expression <critics frown on the idea>
transitive verb
: to show displeasure with or disapproval of especially by facial expression
— frown·er noun
— frown·ing·ly \ˈfrau̇-niŋ-lē\ adverb
See frown defined for English-language learners
See frown defined for kids
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Origin of FROWN
Middle English frounen, from Middle French frogner to snort, frown, of Celtic origin; akin to Welsh ffroen nostril, Old Irish srón nose
Related to FROWN
2frown
noun
: a serious facial expression that usually shows anger, displeasure, or concentration
Full Definition of FROWN
1
: an expression of displeasure
2
: a wrinkling of the brow in displeasure or concentration
See frown defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FROWN
1581
FROWN Defined for Kids
1frown
verb \ˈfrau̇n\
frownedfrown·ing
Definition of FROWN for Kids
1
: to have a serious facial expression (as in anger or thought)
2
: to look with disapproval <… Jo frowned upon the whole project and would have nothing to do with it … — Louisa May Alcott, Little Women>
2frown
noun
Definition of FROWN for Kids
: a serious facial expression that shows anger, unhappiness, or deep thought
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