cowardice

cow·ard·ice

noun \ˈkau̇(-ə)r-dəs, dialect -(ˌ)dīs\

Definition of COWARDICE

: lack of courage or resolution

Examples of COWARDICE

1. <the cowardice shown by political leaders who were willing to give the Nazis whatever they wanted>

Origin of COWARDICE

Middle English cowardise, from Anglo-French coardise, from cuard

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to COWARDICE

Synonyms: cowardliness, cravenness, dastardliness, gutlessness, poltroonery, pusillanimity, spinelessness

Antonyms: bravery, courage, courageousness, daring, dauntlessness, doughtiness, fearlessness, gallantry, greatheartedness, guts, hardihood, heart, heroism, intrepidity, intrepidness, nerve, stoutness, valiance, valor, virtue

Related Words: diffidence, faintheartedness, fearfulness, timidity, timorousness; carefulness, cautiousness, wariness; bashfulness, shyness; feebleness, softness, weakness

Near Antonyms: audacity, boldness, brazenness; backbone, fiber, fortitude, grit, gumption, mettle, pluck, spunk; determination, perseverance, resolution; endurance, stamina, tenacity

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