Need another word for Cower? Use these synonyms of Cower from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
cringe
shrink
quail
recoil
flinch
tremble
quake
shiver
shudder
cower
grovel
fawn
creep
slink
sneak
skulk
lurk
hide
conceal
withdraw
retreat
backdown
surrender
yield
submit
comply
obey
acquiesce
succumb
capitulate
defer
crumple
collapse
fold
break
weaken
falter
fail
lose heart
lose courage
lose nerve
intimidate
daunt
dismay
dishearten
discourage
demoralize
unnerve
unsettle
frighten
scare
terrify
petrify
paralyzed
frozen
stunned
shocked
aghast
appalled
horrified
Meaning of Cower
The primary meaning of the word "cower" is to feel or show fear, often in a way that makes you seem weak or cowardly.
Definitions
- To feel or show fear, often in a way that makes you seem weak or cowardly
- To bend or curve the body, typically in a way that shows fear, respect, or submission
- To be intimidated or overawed, often to the point of being unable to act or speak
Etymology of Cower
The word "cower" originated in the 14th century, from the Old French word "couvrir", meaning "to cover" or "to hide", which is also related to the Latin word "cooperire", meaning "to cover completely"
Historically, the word "cower" was used to describe the act of covering or hiding oneself, often in fear or submission, and over time, its meaning expanded to include the emotional state of feeling fearful or intimidated
Example Uses
- The dog cowered in the corner, its tail between its legs, as the loud thunderstorm raged outside
- She cowered under the intense scrutiny of her boss, feeling like she was being picked apart
- The crowd cowered as the angry speaker yelled at them, his words piercing and intimidating
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
stand
face
confront
defy
resist
oppose
brave
dare
challenge
confront
encounter
meet
approach
advance
proceed
continue
persevere
persist
endure
tolerate
withstand
overcome
conquer
triumph
dominate
intimidate
command
lead
direct
control
dominate
master
overpower
overwhelm
subdue
suppress
conquer
vanquish
defeat
rout
disperse