coward

¹

[kou-erd]

noun

1. a person who lacks courage in facing danger, difficulty, opposition, pain, etc.; a timid or easily intimidated person.

   Synonyms: milksop, recreant, dastard, poltroon, craven

adjective

1. lacking courage; very fearful or timid.

2. proceeding from or expressive of fear or timidity.

   a coward cry.

Coward

²

[kou-erd]

noun

1. Noel, 1899–1973, English playwright, author, actor, and composer.

Coward

¹

/ ˈkaʊəd /

noun

1. Sir Noël ( Pierce ). 1899–1973, English dramatist, actor, and composer, noted for his sophisticated comedies, which include Private Lives (1930) and Blithe Spirit (1941)

coward

²

/ ˈkaʊəd /

noun

1. a person who shrinks from or avoids danger, pain, or difficulty

Word History and Origins

Origin of Coward¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Old French couard-, couart “cowardly,” from coue “tail” (from Latin cauda, cōda ) + -art -ard

Word History and Origins

Origin of Coward¹

C13: from Old French cuard, from coue tail, from Latin cauda; perhaps suggestive of a frightened animal with its tail between its legs

Example Sentences

"The Hamas preacher at Friday prayers accused anyone leaving Gaza City of being a coward running from the battlefield," he said.

From BBC

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has called for the "coward" inside the club who briefed a media report against him to leave the Scottish champions.

From BBC

"I will not describe what I saw when I went up the stairs or into the studio, other than seeing the coward lying face down on the floor being arrested," she said.

From BBC

It was an aggregate scoreline of 9-1 for the tie as fans branded Martin a "coward" with some hastily fashioned banners.

From BBC

The entire movement is composed of cowards who only pretend at bravery, which means they can be defeated — but only if they face people who are willing to use true strength to fight back.

From Salon

Related Words

• wimp