Hunkering: meaning, definitions and examples

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hunkering

 

[ หˆhสŒล‹kษ™rษชล‹ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

taking cover

Hunkering refers to the act of crouching down or squatting close to the ground for protection or shelter, often during adverse weather conditions or to evade danger. This word is frequently used in contexts where individuals seek safety or shield themselves from something threatening. Hunkering can also imply a sense of bracing oneself for an upcoming challenge or situation, thus cultivating a state of preparedness. The term conveys a physical and mental posture of engagement, often associated with survival instincts.

Synonyms

crouching, hiding, squatting, taking cover.

Examples of usage

  • We hunkered down during the storm.
  • The soldiers hunkered behind the wall.
  • He was hunkering in a corner, hoping to stay unnoticed.

Translations

Translations of the word "hunkering" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น escondendo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค›เคฟเคชเคพเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช verstecken

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bersembunyi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะธั…ะพะฒัƒะฒะฐะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ukrywanie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้š ใ‚Œใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท se cacher

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ esconderse

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท saklanmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ˆจ๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงุฎุชุจุงุก

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ skrรฝvรกnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ukrรฝvanie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้š่—

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ skriti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fali

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐัั‹ั€ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒšแƒ•แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ gizlษ™nmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ esconderse

Etymology

The word 'hunker' originates from the Scots word 'hunkers,' which means 'the buttocks' and dates back to the 17th century. The term evolved over time, influenced by various regional dialects, particularly in the northern parts of England and Scotland, where the implications of sitting low or crouching were prevalent in the vernacular. By the 19th century, the term 'hunker down' was popularized, particularly in the context of taking shelter or bracing oneself against difficult circumstances. The phrase gained further prominence during significant historical events and disasters, illustrating humanity's instinct to seek safety and protection. Today, 'hunkering' retains this sense of enduring through hardship, whether it be environmental challenges or social upheavals.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,913, 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.