Cowered Meaning: Definition and Examples
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cowered
[ΛkaΚΙrd ]
Definition
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.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Cowering is a natural instinct in many animals as a way to protect themselves from danger.
- In humans, this behavior can be linked to feelings of vulnerability and fear of aggression.
- Some researchers suggest that cowering can also serve as a social signal, indicating submission to prevent conflict.
Literature
- Cowering characters often appear in literature to illustrate themes of fear or oppression, as seen in various tragic narratives.
- Famous literary figures have been depicted cowering in response to powerful antagonists, showcasing their inner turmoil.
Pop Culture
- In movies, the moment a character cowers often indicates a pivotal change, highlighting their emotional journey.
- Animated films frequently showcase characters cowering in fear, making their eventual bravery more impactful.
Animal Behavior
- Animals cower as a defensive strategy, often lowering their bodies to appear smaller in the presence of threats.
- Certain breeds of dogs exhibit cowering behavior when facing loud noises, indicating fear or anxiety.
- Cowering can also be a sign of submission among animals, displaying a non-threatening posture to avoid aggression.
Origin of 'cowered'
Main points about word origin
- This word comes from the Old English 'cΕ«rian,' meaning to curl up and is related to the action of cowering.
- In Middle English, it evolved to 'cowrien,' indicating the idea of showing fear or submission.
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.