View synonyms for cowed

cowed

[ koud ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

frightened by threats, violence, superior strength or ability, etc.; intimidated or overawed:
No, I’m not worried about going up against the chess champion—what do you take me for, an easily cowed novice?

Origin of cowed¹

First recorded in 1740–50; cow ²( def ) + -ed ²( def ) for the adjective; cow ²( def ) + -ed ¹( def ) for the verb

In 1386, the crowd of onlookers was cowed into silence by the threat of losing a hand.

Liberals, especially outside cities and university towns, are probably a little cowed.

And it is girls themselves who are refusing to be cowed or blackmailed into accepting their subjugation.

It took more than a decade for “guns” to become an issue that cowed liberals and Democrats.

A true revolutionary who will not be cowed by the Beltway sell-outs.

The Opposition, completely cowed, did not venture to demand another division.

The malecontents, generally so insolent and turbulent, seemed to be completely cowed.

Crawley returned to their old relation, and was cowed by the natural ascendency of the greater spirit.

But the people were no more than slaves—beaten and cowed into submission.

They were all thoroughly cowed, as are dogs that have been illtreated.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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