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Cowering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cowering

[หˆkaสŠ.ษ™r.ษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

fearful position

Cowering means to crouch down in fear or shame. It often involves hunching one's shoulders and lowering the body to make oneself appear smaller in the face of danger or intimidation. This behavior is instinctive and may be seen in both animals and humans when they perceive a threat. Cowering can also be a response to emotional distress or anxiety, reflecting a person's desire to hide from an overwhelming situation.

Synonyms

cringing, ducking, flinching, hiding.

Examples of usage

  • The dog was cowering under the table during the storm.
  • She was cowering in the corner, afraid of the loud noise.
  • He started cowering when he realized he had made a mistake.
  • The child was cowering away from the angry teacher.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Cowering can be a physical reaction to threat, showing the body's instinct to protect itself.
  • People often exhibit cowering behavior during traumatic experiences, as a way to cope with fear.
  • Understanding cowering helps psychologists address anxiety disorders and fear responses in therapy.

Literature

  • Cowering characters often symbolize vulnerability or innocence, making readers empathize with them.
  • Classic literature frequently portrays cowering to illustrate the struggle between strength and fear.
  • In modern stories, characters who cower can demonstrate growth by overcoming their fears later in the plot.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, the classic scene of a character cowering in fear is used to build tension and audience engagement.
  • Animated films often show small characters cowering comically, highlighting their heroic transformations later.
  • Popular video games incorporate cowering elements, where players must navigate through fearful confrontations.

Animal Behavior

  • Many animals display cowering as a form of submission, signaling to predators that they are not a threat.
  • Pets often cower during thunderstorms or loud noises, showcasing their instinctual fear responses.
  • Observing cowering behaviors in animals helps researchers understand stress responses in wildlife.

Origin of 'cowering'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cower' comes from the Old Norse word 'kรบra', meaning to crouch or huddle.
  • It has been used in English since the 14th century, reflecting deep-rooted fears in human behavior.
  • Related words include 'crouch' and 'cringe', which also express fear or submission.

The term 'cower' has its origins in Middle English, stemming from the word 'coweren,' which means to 'crouch' or 'stoop down.' This word is believed to originate from the Old Norse term 'kรบra,' meaning to 'dare' or 'to crouch.' Historically, the action of cowering has been associated with a response to fear and intimidation, embodying the instinctual desire to protect oneself from harm. As language evolved, the word maintained its essence, encapsulating both physical and emotional states of submission or fear. Cowering reflects deep-seated sentiments that can be traced back to primal human and animal behaviors, serving both survival and social functions. Through the centuries, cowering has appeared in literature and storytelling as a poignant representation of vulnerability, revealing the nature of fear and the instinct to retreat when faced with danger.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,510, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.