fawn
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1fawn
intransitive verb \ˈfȯn, ˈfän\Definition of FAWN
1
: to show affection —used especially of a dog
2
: to court favor by a cringing or flattering manner
— fawn·er noun
— fawn·ing·ly \ˈfȯ-niŋ-lē, ˈfä-\ adverb
Examples of FAWN
- a sports star surrounded by fawning fans
- <a student who could not wait to fawn over the new teacher>
Origin of FAWN
Middle English faunen, from Old English fagnian to rejoice, from fægen, fagan glad — more at fain
First Known Use: 13th century
Related to FAWN
Synonym Discussion of FAWN
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>.
2fawn
nounDefinition of FAWN
1
: a young deer; especially : one still unweaned or retaining a distinctive baby coat
2
: kid 1
3
: a light grayish brown
— fawny \ˈfȯ-nē, ˈfä-\ adjective
See Origin of FAWN
Middle English foun, from Anglo-French feun, foon young of an animal, from Vulgar Latin *feton-, feto, from Latin fetus offspring — more at fetus
First Known Use: 14th century
Learn More About FAWN
Browse
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up fawn? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
