cower

• Verbe décrivant l'action de se baisser ou de reculer par peur, souvent de manière soumise ou défensive, en se faisant petit.

A verb used to describe the act of crouching or shrinking back in fear, often in a submissive or defensive manner.

1. Crouch in fearB2formal

   To bend low or move backward in fear, often with the body tense.

   Se blottir de peur

   • The dog cowered in the corner during the thunderstorm.
   • She cowered behind the sofa when she heard the loud noise.
   • The children cowered as the angry teacher entered the room.

   Synonymescringecrouchflinchgrovelhuddlequailrecoilshrink

   Antonymesbraveconfrontfacestand

2. Show submission or timidityB2formal

   To behave in a way that shows fear or lack of confidence.

   Se blottir de peur, montrer sa soumission

   • He cowered before his boss, afraid to speak up.
   • The prisoner cowered in the presence of the judge.
   • She cowered under the blanket, hoping the intruder would leave.

   Synonymescringeflinchgrovelquailrecoilshrink

   Antonymesbrazenstrutswagger