cower

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verb cow·er \ˈkau̇(-ə)r\

Simple Definition of cower

: to move back or bend your body down because you are afraid

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of cower

intransitive verb
: to shrink away or crouch especially for shelter from something that menaces, domineers, or dismays

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Examples of cower in a sentence

They cowered at the sight of the gun.
She was cowering in the closet.
I cowered behind the door.

Origin and Etymology of cower

Middle English couren, probably from Middle Low German kūren

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of cower

fawn, toady, truckle, cringe, cower mean to behave abjectly before a superior. fawn implies seeking favor by servile flattery or exaggerated attention <waiters fawning over a celebrity>. toady suggests the attempt to ingratiate oneself by an abjectly menial or subservient attitude <toadying to his boss>. truckle implies the subordination of oneself and one's desires or judgment to those of a superior <truckling to a powerful lobbyist>. cringe suggests a bowing or shrinking in fear or servility <a cringing sycophant>. cower suggests a display of abject fear in the company of threatening or domineering people <cowering before a bully>.