cow

²cow

verb

Definition of COW

transitive verb

: to destroy the resolve or courage of; also : to bring to a state or an action by intimidation —used with into <like too many Asian armies, adept at cowing a population into feeding them — Edward Lansdale>

— cowed·ly \ˈkau̇(-ə)d-lē\ adverb

Examples of COW

1. I refuse to be cowed by their threats.
2. <a sharp glare cowed the child into being quiet>

Origin of COW

probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Dan kue to subdue

First Known Use: 1581

Related to COW

Synonyms: blackjack, bogart, browbeat, bulldoze, bully, bullyrag, intimidate, hector, mau-mau, strong-arm

Related Words: bluster, trash-talk; affright, alarm (also alarum), frighten, horrify, scare, shock, spook, startle, terrify; menace, terrorize, threaten; badger, harass, hound; bludgeon, coerce, compel, constrain, dragoon, force, make, oblige, press, pressure, push around; demoralize, psych (out), unman, unnerve; discompose, disconcert, disquiet, distress, disturb, perturb, upset

Near Antonyms: cheer, comfort, console, reassure, solace, soothe; embolden, encourage, hearten, steel; convince, persuade

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See Synonym Discussion at intimidate