Coward
'kaʊərd
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who is easily frightened and avoids danger or difficult situations.
'kaʊərd
A person who lacks courage.
He was labeled a coward for refusing to fight.
💡 Simply: A coward is someone who's scared to do something that's hard or scary, like standing up for themselves or facing a challenge. Think of a kid who hides when the monster is under the bed.
👶 For kids: A coward is a person who is scared and doesn't want to do brave things.
More Examples
She thought it was cowardly to not speak up for what was right.
The movie depicted the cowardice of some soldiers in the face of battle.
How It's Used
"The soldier was called a coward for deserting his post."
"Shakespeare often depicted characters grappling with cowardice."
Showing a lack of courage; timid.
'kaʊərd
Lacking courage or bravery.
He made a cowardly retreat.
💡 Simply: This describes someone who is acting scared. Like when someone runs away from a problem.
👶 For kids: When someone is scared and doesn't want to do something brave, we can say that the person is being cowardly.
More Examples
Their cowardly response to the crisis was disappointing.
The knight's cowardly behavior disappointed the king.
How It's Used
"His cowardly actions betrayed his lack of true bravery."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a coward's way out
A method of avoiding a difficult or dangerous situation, especially one that involves abandoning someone or something.
"Quitting the team was a coward's way out. He should have stayed and faced the challenges."
cowardly lion
A person who lacks courage but often desires it, often in a humorous or ironic way.
"He might act tough, but deep down, he's a cowardly lion."
From Middle English *caward*, from Old French *coart* ('cowardly, timid'), from *coe* ('tail') + *art* ('skill, ability'). The implication is someone who turns tail and runs.
The word 'coward' has been used since the 13th century, evolving from Old French to describe someone lacking courage.
Memory tip
Think of a 'cow' (cow-ard) – often seen as timid. A coward acts like a scared cow.
Word Origin
"One who is afraid; lacking courage."