Poltroon: meaning, definitions and examples
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poltroon
[ pษlหtruหn ]
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:
๐ต๐น covarde
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคพเคฏเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช Feigling
๐ฎ๐ฉ penakut
๐บ๐ฆ ะฑะพัะณัะท
๐ต๐ฑ tchรณrz
๐ฏ๐ต ่็ ่
๐ซ๐ท lรขche
๐ช๐ธ cobarde
๐น๐ท korkak
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ฒ์์ด
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฌุจุงู
๐จ๐ฟ zbabฤlec
๐ธ๐ฐ zbabelec
๐จ๐ณ ๆฆๅคซ
๐ธ๐ฎ strahopetec
๐ฎ๐ธ hrรฆddur
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะพัาะฐา
๐ฌ๐ช แแแฆแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ รงษkmษz
๐ฒ๐ฝ cobarde
Etymology
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.
- ...
- 37841 underlease
- 37842 twanged
- 37843 reclaimable
- 37844 poltroon
- 37845 rotisserie
- 37846 purloin
- 37847 eavesdropped
- ...