Dictionary
1cow
noun \ˈkau̇\
Definition of COW
1
a : the mature female of cattle (genus Bos) b : the mature female of various usually large animals (as an elephant, whale, or moose)
2
: a domestic bovine animal regardless of sex or age
— cowy \-ē\ adjective
See cow defined for English-language learners
See cow defined for kids
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Origin of COW
Middle English cou, from Old English cū; akin to Old High German kuo cow, Latin bos head of cattle, Greek bous, Sanskrit go
First Known Use: before 12th century
2cow
verb
: to make (someone) too afraid to do something
Full Definition of COW
transitive verb
: to destroy the resolve or courage of; also : to bring to a state or an action by intimidation —used with into <like too many Asian armies, adept at cowing a population into feeding them — Edward Lansdale>
— cowed·ly \ˈkau̇(-ə)d-lē\ adverb
See cow defined for English-language learners
Origin of COW
probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Dan kue to subdue
First Known Use: 1581
Related to COW
- Synonyms
- blackjack, bogart, browbeat, bulldoze, bully, bullyrag, intimidate, hector, mau-mau, strong-arm
Synonym Discussion of COW
intimidate, cow, bulldoze, bully, browbeat mean to frighten into submission. intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another <intimidated by so many other bright freshmen>. cow implies reduction to a state where the spirit is broken or all courage is lost <not at all cowed by the odds against making it in show business>. bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats <bulldozed the city council into approving the plan>. bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior <bullied into giving up their lunch money>. browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment <browbeat the witness into a contradiction>.
COWED Defined for Kids
1cow
noun \ˈkau̇\
Definition of COW for Kids
: the adult female of cattle or of any of various other large animals (as moose or seals)
2cow
verb
cowedcow·ing
Definition of COW for Kids
: to make afraid <They were cowed by threats.>
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