adjective
craven
KRAY-vun/ˈkreɪvn/
Lacking courage in a contemptible way.
His craven refusal to defend his friend costs him everyone's respect.
Etymology
The earlier meaning “defeated” shifted to “cowardly,” perhaps through the idea of confessing oneself beaten. The change was apparently influenced by crave.
In context
deep at heart passive aggressors are bullies they're craven when reprimanded they immediately revert to begging forgiveness
More examples
- She calls their silence a craven surrender to intimidation.
- The manager makes a craven attempt to blame the intern.
- They mistake his sensible caution for craven fear.
Forms
craven
cravenly adverb — In a contemptibly fearful or cowardly manner.
cravenness noun — A contemptible lack of courage.
Similar words
- cowardly
- Describes fearfulness without always expressing the same intense contempt.
- spineless
- Emphasizes lack of resolve, especially when facing pressure from others.