First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1fawn
verb \ˈfȯn, ˈfän\
: to try to get the approval of an important or powerful person by giving that person praise, special attention, etc.
Full Definition of FAWN
intransitive verb
1
: to show affection —used especially of a dog
2
: to court favor by a cringing or flattering manner
— fawn·er noun
— fawn·ing·ly \ˈfȯ-niŋ-lē, ˈfä-\ adverb
See fawn defined for English-language learners
See fawn defined for kids
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Origin of FAWN
Middle English faunen, from Old English fagnian to rejoice, from fægen, fagan glad — more at fain
Related to FAWN
Synonym Discussion of FAWN
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>.
2fawn
noun
: a young deer; especially : a deer that is less than a year old
: a light brown color
Full Definition of FAWN
1
: a young deer; especially : one still unweaned or retaining a distinctive baby coat
2
: kid 1
3
: a light grayish brown
— fawny \ˈfȯ-nē, ˈfä-\ adjective
See fawn defined for English-language learners
Origin of FAWN
Middle English foun, from Anglo-French feun, foon young of an animal, from Vulgar Latin *feton-, feto, from Latin fetus offspring — more at fetus
First Known Use: 14th century
FAWN Defined for Kids
1fawn
noun \ˈfȯn\
Definition of FAWN for Kids
1
: a young deer
2
: a light grayish brown
2fawn
verb
fawnedfawn·ing
Definition of FAWN for Kids
1
: to show affection —used especially of a dog
2
: to try to win favor by acting as if someone is superior <Fans fawned over the actor.>
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