cowed

[koud]

adjective

1. 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?

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of cow.

Other Word Forms

• uncowed adjective

Word History and Origins

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

Example Sentences

"Show we are not cowed. As Jews we always rebuild. We always recover, we always return stronger," Rabbi Daniel Walker said after the attack on his synagogue.

From BBC

Today, nobody is cowed by threats of mass firings.

From Salon

Meanwhile, Australia fly-half Faitala Moleka found turf between the hosts' back three with clever kicks and her forwards cantered into contact, refusing to be cowed by the Red Roses' record or reputation.

From BBC

Strongman posturing comes off as buffoonish until the press is cowed enough to report the flex as fact.

From Salon

Johnson is so cowed by accusations of fraud that he appears to have gone directly off the deep end.

From Salon

Related Words

• anxious 
• apprehensive 
• discouraged 
• distressed 
• fearful 
• frightened 
• horrified 
• intimidated 
• nervous 
• perplexed 
• perturbed 
• scared 
• shocked www.thesaurus.com
• spooked www.thesaurus.com
• startled 
• timid