scowl

[ skoul ]

verb (used without object)

1. to draw down or contract the brows in a sullen, displeased, or angry manner.

   Synonyms: glare, lower, frown

2. to have a gloomy or threatening look.

   Synonyms: gloom, glower

verb (used with object)

1. to affect or express with a scowl.

noun

1. a scowling expression, look, or aspect.

scowl

/ skaʊl /

verb

1. intr to contract the brows in a threatening or angry manner

noun

1. a gloomy or threatening expression

Other Words From

• scowler noun
• scowlful adjective
• scowling·ly adverb
• un·scowling adjective
• un·scowling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of scowl¹

1300–50; Middle English scoulen (v.); perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Danish skule to scowl, Norwegian skule to look furtively, though these may be < Low German schūlen to spy

Word History and Origins

Origin of scowl¹

C14: probably from Scandinavian; compare Danish skule to look down, Old English scūlēgede squint-eyed

Example Sentences

Dream is something of a straight man amid so much weirdness, but Sturridge possesses just the right combination of baby face and scowl.

From Time

She transformed her scowl into a tight smile and began serving dinner to her guests.

From Washington Post

Clint Dempsey stalked off the field with a scowl on his face.

From The Daily Beast

The familiar savage scowl has been replaced by a cheery grin.

From The Daily Beast

Dan's jaws came together with a snap and a dark scowl came over his face.

From Project Gutenberg

Look at him, how he scowls at you on your entering an inn-room; think how you scowl yourself to meet his scowl.

From Project Gutenberg

Two of the house-carles led him up, and his face had as black a scowl on it as I had ever seen, and he looked sullenly at us.

From Project Gutenberg

The juragan watched him suspiciously while the Dyak talked, but gradually his scowl faded.

From Project Gutenberg

Hall leaned over a little, putting out his hand in a warning gesture, drawing his dark brows in a scowl.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• glare
• glower
• grimace