frown

¹frown

verb \ˈfrau̇n\

Definition of FROWN

intransitive verb

1

: to contract the brow in displeasure or concentration

2

: to give evidence of displeasure or disapproval by or as if by facial expression <critics frown on the idea>

transitive verb

: to show displeasure with or disapproval of especially by facial expression

— frown·er noun

— frown·ing·ly \ˈfrau̇-niŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of FROWN

1. She was frowning when she entered the room, so I knew that she was annoyed about something.
2. <the boss just stood there and frowned at his assistant who, once again, was in trouble>

Origin of FROWN

Middle English frounen, from Middle French frogner to snort, frown, of Celtic origin; akin to Welsh ffroen nostril, Old Irish srón nose

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FROWN

Synonyms: glare, gloom, glower, lower (also lour), scowl, look daggers (or stare daggers)

Antonyms: beam, grin, smile

Related Words: gape, gaze, ogle, stare; grimace, pout, sulk; growl, snarl, sneer, snigger

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Rhymes with FROWN

brown, clown, crown, down, drown, gown, lown, noun, town