Word
cowering
Phoneticscow·er·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkaʊɝɪŋ/
UK/kˈaʊəɹɪŋ/
Definition
v. to crouch down low because you are afraid and want to hide or stay safe. You use it when people or animals try to make themselves small in fear.
v. to crouch low and pull back in fear, shame, or submission, as to avoid notice or harm.
Examples
“The puppy is cowering under the chair.”
“When the fireworks start, the dog is cowering in the bathroom with its ears flat.”
“The witness described cowering behind a parked car while glass shattered around her during the blast.”
Examples
simple
“The puppy is cowering under the chair.”
contextual
“When the fireworks start, the dog is cowering in the bathroom with its ears flat.”
complex
“The witness described cowering behind a parked car while glass shattered around her during the blast.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “cowering” in context.
Verb
01. cower against
“She cowered against the wall as the dog ran towards her.”
verb + prep
02. cower behind
“The kids cowered behind the sofa during the horror film.”
verb + prep
03. cower from
“He cowered from the angry shouting in the next room.”
verb + prep
04. cower under
“Stray cats cowered under cars to escape the heavy rain.”
verb + prep
Adjective
05. cowering child
“The rescue team found the cowering child behind the door after the storm.”
adj + noun
06. cowering dog
“The cowering dog hid under the bed whenever fireworks went off.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. cower for safety
“Civilians cowered for safety when the sirens started.”
verb + prep + noun
08. cower in corner
“The frightened kitten cowered in a corner of the kitchen.”
verb + prep + noun
09. cower behind sofa
“The children cowered behind the sofa when they heard thunder.”
10. cower in dark corner
“The puppy cowered in a dark corner until the storm passed.”
11. cower under table
“During the earthquake, we cowered under the table for protection.”
12. cower with hands over head
“Passengers cowered with their hands over their heads.”
Usage
The verb is intransitive and often takes 'behind', 'under', 'in', or 'against' to show place.
Real-World Examples
“Reuters spoke to one of the survivors, a 14 year old girl, who cowered behind a desk in classroom as the rampage went on outside.” “Wrecked apartment blocks, badly wounded soldiers, mud-filled trenches and civilians cowering in cellars under incessant bombardment have become familiar scenes in and around Bakhmut since the fighting began.” “Gaddafi called the rebels who rose up against his 42 years of one-man rule "rats," but in the end it was he who was captured cowering in a drainage pipe full of rubbish and filth.” “The individuals were cowering on the ground and offered no resistance, he reported.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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