coward

cow·ard

noun \ˈkau̇(-ə)rd\

Definition of COWARD

: one who shows disgraceful fear or timidity

— coward adjective

Examples of COWARD

1. a proven coward who had deserted his troops
2. <the soldiers who ran as soon as the first shots were fired were branded as cowards>

Origin of COWARD

Middle English, from Anglo-French cuard, from cue, coe tail, from Latin cauda

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to COWARD

Synonyms: chicken, craven, cur, dastard, funk, poltroon, recreant, sissy

Antonyms: hero, stalwart, valiant

Related Words: defeatist, quitter; cream puff, milquetoast, pushover, pussy [slang], weakling, wimp; caitiff, snake, sneak; ostrich, scaramouch (or scaramouche)

Near Antonyms: daredevil

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