Cower Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
😨
cower
[ˈkaʊər ]
Definition
physical reaction
To cower means to crouch down in fear or shame. It expresses a deep sense of timidity or submission, often as a response to a perceived threat.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The dog cowered in the corner during the storm.
- She cowered before her angry boss.
- The children cowered when they heard the loud noise.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Cowering is a common response to fear, linked to the body's instinct to protect itself from threats.
- The 'fight-or-flight' response often includes cowering as a way to evade danger when fleeing is not an option.
- In animals, cowering can indicate submission, which can help them avoid conflict with more dominant individuals.
Literature
- Cowering is often depicted in literature to illustrate characters' vulnerability, enhancing emotional impact.
- In classic stories, characters that cower may highlight themes of powerlessness or fear, often leading to transformations.
- Famous literary characters sometimes cower to reveal their human flaws, making them relatable to readers.
Pop Culture
- Cowering is frequently portrayed in cartoons, where characters exaggerate their fear for comedic effect.
- In horror movies, the act of cowering is commonly used to build tension, showing how frightened a character is.
- Cower has become a meme in online culture, often used to humorously depict overreactions to mundane situations.
Animal Behavior
- Many animals, like dogs and cats, will cower when they feel threatened or experience loud noises like thunder.
- Cowering can be a survival instinct, helping animals avoid confrontation with predators.
- Young animals often exhibit cowering behaviors to signal fear and seek protection from their parents.
Origin of 'cower'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'cower' comes from the Old English 'curwian' meaning 'to crouch or bend down'.
- Related words in other languages show similar roots, like the Dutch 'kruipen' which means 'to crawl or creep'.
- Cower has been used in English since the 14th century, primarily to describe physical reactions to fright.
The word 'cower' originates from the Middle English 'coweren', which means 'to crouch or to cower'. It can be traced back to the Old English 'cuggan', meaning 'to bend' or 'to stoop', which is related to the Old Norse 'kugga', meaning 'to crouch'. The term has evolved over the centuries to encapsulate not just the physical act of shrinking back, but also the emotional state associated with fear or anxiety. The nuance of being overwhelmed by fear, as it is used today, became more prominent in the 15th century. 'Cower' has consistently maintained its association with emotional response, depicting an individual or animal's instinct to make themselves smaller to avoid danger, a response that is very much ingrained in both human and animal behavior.