Cowerings

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. The acts or instances of shrinking back or recoiling in fear; behaviors characterized by timidity or submission when faced with danger or threat; expressions of retreat or withdrawal driven by anxiety or apprehension
2. Multiple occurrences of flinching or retreating due to fright; patterns of showing meekness or lack of confidence in intimidating situations; demonstrations of shrinking away as a response to fear or intimidation
3. The process or events involving cringing or pulling back from perceived harm; repeated actions reflecting a lack of courage or boldness under stress; manifestations of backing down caused by nervousness or dread

Etymology: "Cowerings" is the plural of "cowering," the present participle and gerund of "cower." The verb "cower" appears in Middle English in the 1300s, and its origin is uncertain; it is generally considered likely to be a variant of "couer" or related to Middle Dutch "kuren," meaning to lie in wait or be quiet, which hints at the sense of crouching low to avoid notice. Over time the idea of quietly keeping still gave way to the image of a body bent down and shrinking from a threat. The plural form "cowerings" is less common than "cowering," which is used as both a participle and a gerund. Using the plural turns the physical act into a set of separate instances, so the word can describe repeated episodes of recoiling or flinching rather than one continuous posture.

Synonyms: cowers, cringes, shrinks, grovels, flinches

Antonyms: stands, faces, confronts, defies, advances