Cowered: meaning, definitions and examples
😨
cowered
[ ˈkaʊərd ]
fearful retreat
Cowered means to crouch down in fear or to show submission. It is often used to describe a physical response to fear where a person or an animal becomes small and tries to protect themselves.
Synonyms
cringe, flinch, shrink, tremble
Examples of usage
- The dog cowered in the corner during the storm.
- She cowered before her angry boss.
- The children cowered in fear at the loud noise.
Etymology
The word 'cower' comes from the Old English 'cwernan', meaning 'to bend or to turn'. Its evolution has seen it take on more specifically the meaning of merely shrinking back in fear. The transition to its current form reflects its continued association with fear and vulnerability. In Middle English, the term was used to describe the act of coiling up or curling away, demonstrating the physical act of cowering. The emotional connotation of fear has always been inherent in the word, making it a potent term to describe the reaction of individuals, especially in situations that provoke anxiety or danger. The word has remained consistently linked to this psychological response throughout its history, highlighting the universal nature of fear across cultures.