Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Hunker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🕳️
Add to dictionary

hunker

[ˈhʌŋkər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to sit down low

To hunker means to sit down low, usually with the knees bent and the weight on the balls of the feet. It can also mean to crouch or squat in a low position.

Synonyms

crouch, sit down, squat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
hunker

Used when someone sits on their heels with their knees bent, especially to avoid being seen or to stay warm. Often used in survival or war contexts.

  • The soldiers hunkered down in the trench to avoid being seen by the enemy.
  • We had to hunker down in the cabin during the storm.
squat

Used when someone lowers their body all the way down to their heels without sitting. Often used in exercise contexts or to pick up something from the ground.

  • He squatted to pick up the heavy box.
  • Squats are great for strengthening your legs and core.
crouch

Used when someone bends their knees and lowers their body closer to the ground, typically to avoid being seen or to be ready to move quickly. Commonly in sports, games or stealth situations.

  • The cat crouched low, ready to pounce on its prey.
  • He crouched behind the bush, waiting for the perfect moment to surprise his friends.
sit down

Used when someone places their body on a seat or surface with their back straight. This is a common, everyday action.

  • She decided to sit down and take a break after hours of walking.
  • Please sit down and make yourself comfortable.

Examples of usage

  • She hunkered down to hide behind the bushes.
  • The children hunkered around the campfire.
Context #2 | Noun

a defensive position

As a noun, hunker can refer to a defensive position in which the body is low to the ground, often used in military or sports contexts.

Synonyms

crouch, defensive position, squat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
hunker

Typically used when someone is lowering their body close to the ground, often in a stable and enduring position for a longer period. It can also imply preparation for a difficult situation or period.

  • As the storm approached, they decided to hunker down in their basement.
  • The campers hunkered by the fire to stay warm.
crouch

Used when someone bends down with their knees bent and their body close to the ground, often for a short period, in order to hide, observe, or prepare to move quickly.

  • The cat crouched, ready to pounce on its prey.
  • He crouched behind the bushes to avoid being seen.
squat

Refers to a position where someone sits low on their heels with their knees bent, often used in exercise contexts or to describe certain sitting postures.

  • She does squats as part of her workout routine.
  • The children squatted on the floor around the teacher.
defensive position

Generally refers to a stance or arrangement adopted to protect oneself or a group from harm, often used in military or sports contexts.

  • The soldiers took up a defensive position on the hill.
  • In the final minutes of the game, the team switched to a defensive position.

Examples of usage

  • The soldier took a hunker behind the wall.
  • The goalie assumed a hunker to block the shot.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In American culture, 'hunkering down' often relates to preparing for a storm or crisis, providing a sense of safety.
  • 'Hunker down' is a popular phrase in survival situations, indicating the need to stay put and be cautious.
  • The term has been adopted in various contexts, including military and disaster preparedness, emphasizing the importance of safety.

Psychology

  • Crouching or hunkering down can be a physical response to fear or threat, reflecting a natural instinct for protection.
  • Research shows that body posture can influence emotional states; hunkering down may provide a sense of calm.
  • Individuals may hunker down during stressful events as a coping mechanism, indicating retreat from external pressures.

Literature

  • The use of 'hunker' appears in various works of literature, often symbolizing struggle or perseverance.
  • In contemporary novels, characters may 'hunker down' to confront challenges, illustrating resilience.
  • Classic literature sometimes uses crouching as a metaphor for vulnerability and the human experience.

Origin of 'hunker'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Dutch word 'hunkeren', meaning to squat or crouch.
  • It has been used in English since the early 19th century, primarily in American English.
  • Originally, 'hunker' referred to a low position, often used in the context of sitting or squatting.

The origin of the word 'hunker' can be traced back to the Scottish and Northern English dialects, where it meant to crouch or squat. Over time, it has evolved to also include the idea of sitting down low. The word has been used in various contexts, from military maneuvers to casual gatherings, capturing the essence of assuming a low position for various purposes.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,452, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.