verb
cower
KOW-er/ˈkaʊər/
To crouch or shrink back in fear.
The frightened man cowers against the wall as the dog snarls.
Etymology
The word first described crouching, squatting, or kneeling, then emphasized sinking down in fear or shame. Its origin is uncertain, probably involving Germanic words for lying in wait, squatting, or dozing.
In context
rather than waiting for them to get you in your what would you say as you cower under your bed.
More examples
- He refused to cower before the bully.
- The frightened child cowered behind the chair.
- She found the cat cowering in the corner.
Forms
cower · cowers · cowered · cowering