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Poltroon: meaning, definitions and examples

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poltroon

 

[ pษ’lหˆtruหn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

cowardly person

A poltroon is a coward, someone who lacks courage to face danger or difficulty. This term is often used in a derogatory sense to describe individuals who show fear, timidity, or an unwillingness to stand up for themselves or others. It is derived from older French words that emphasized cowardice. The word suggests a consistent pattern of cowardly behavior rather than a moment of fear. Historically, it has been employed in literature and criticism to denote contempt for those who avoid conflict.

Synonyms

coward, cowardice, craven, pushover, spineless

Examples of usage

  • He was branded a poltroon for fleeing from the battlefield.
  • The poltroon avoided any confrontation.
  • In her story, the hero is contrasted with a poltroon.
  • They called him a poltroon because he refused to fight back.
  • Her poltroon actions disappointed her friends.

Translations

Translations of the word "poltroon" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น covarde

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคพเคฏเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Feigling

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ penakut

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะพัะณัƒะท

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ tchรณrz

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่‡†็—…่€…

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท lรขche

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cobarde

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท korkak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฒ์Ÿ์ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌุจุงู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zbabฤ›lec

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zbabelec

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‡ฆๅคซ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ strahopetec

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hrรฆddur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะพั€า›ะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒแƒฆแƒ›แƒ˜แƒแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รงษ™kmษ™z

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cobarde

Word origin

The term 'poltroon' has its origins in the Middle French word 'poltrone,' which meant 'a coward' or 'scoundrel.' This French word itself likely derived from the old Italian 'poltrone' meaning 'lazy' or 'idle person.' The evolution of the word reflects a connection between laziness and cowardice, as those who are unwilling to act bravely are often viewed as both lazy and lacking in moral courage. 'Poltroon' came into English usage in the late 15th century, and has since maintained a somewhat archaic tone, though it still carries a vivid connotation of cowardice that resonates in modern descriptions of individuals who shy away from challenge. One notable instance of its use can be found in literature, where the character traits of a poltroon are often contrasted starkly with those of heroes or valiant figures.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,844, 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.