Frown
/fraʊn/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo show disapproval or displeasure by wrinkling the forehead and drawing the eyebrows together.
/fraʊn/
To contract the brow in an expression of disapproval, displeasure, or concentration.
He frowned when he saw the mess in his room.
💡 Simply: Imagine you see someone cutting in line. You'd probably frown, right? A frown is when your face makes a grumpy shape to show you're not happy or you don't agree with something. It's like a face-version of saying 'I don't like that!'
👶 For kids: When you make a face with your eyebrows down and a little mad because you don't like something.
More Examples
The teacher frowned at the student's disruptive behavior.
She frowned at the harsh words spoken during the argument.
The weather reporter frowned, announcing an impending storm.
How It's Used
"She frowned at the loud noise."
"The detective frowned, pondering the clues."
A facial expression in which the eyebrows are drawn together, and the forehead is wrinkled, typically expressing disapproval, displeasure, or concentration.
/fraʊn/
An act of frowning; a facial expression showing disapproval or displeasure.
A slight frown appeared on her face when she read the email.
💡 Simply: If someone does something that makes you unhappy, you might give them a frown—it's like a face message that says 'I don't like that!'.
👶 For kids: A face that looks mad or sad.
More Examples
His frown signaled his disapproval of the plan.
Her frown revealed her disappointment.
The children's frowns turned into smiles after their father gave them a treat.
How It's Used
"A frown crossed his face when he heard the news."
"The study analyzed the frequency of frowns in different social situations."
Idioms & expressions
frown upon
To disapprove of something.
"Many societies frown upon public displays of affection."
From Middle English *frounen*, possibly from Old English *frūnian* ('to scowl'), or related to Old Norse *frūna* ('to pout'). The exact origin is uncertain.
The word 'frown' has been used to describe expressions of displeasure or disapproval since the Middle Ages.
Memory tip
Think of your eyebrows coming down when you see something you don't like – that's a frown!