cower

IPA/ˈkaʊə(r)/
KK[kˈaʊɚ]IPA/ˈkaʊər/

cower — verb

  • cowerpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • cowershe / she / it
  • coweredpast simple
  • cowering-ing form

1. to pull your body down and edge back because you are afraid someone or something

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to pull your body down and edge back because you are afraid someone or something will hurt you

例句

When the fireworks exploded outside, Felipe cowered behind the sofa.

cower + behind [object] when frightened

The wet dog cowered by the gate as the thunder grew louder.

同義詞
  • cringe

    often adds shame or disgust; cower focuses on fear and self-protection

  • flinch

    describes a quick small reaction; cower suggests staying low for longer

  • shrink

    more general and less vivid; cower clearly suggests fear

反義詞
  • confront

    face the danger directly instead of drawing back from it

  • stand firm

    stay steady rather than shrinking away in fear

文法句型

cower + behind [object]

cower + under [cover]

cower + in [place]

用法筆記

Often followed by a place phrase such as 'behind the sofa' or 'under the desk'. It usually shows fear of danger or violence, not simple shyness or respect.

常見錯誤

❌The child cowered the box under the table.
✅The child cowered under the table.
💡cower is intransitive, so the frightened person or animal cowers; you do not cower something.