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definitions

countenance

[koun-tn-uh ns]
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR countenance ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

verb (used with object), coun·te·nanced, coun·te·nanc·ing.

to permit or tolerate: You should not have countenanced his rudeness.
to approve, support, or encourage.

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RELATED WORDS

demeanor, visage, mien, composure, abet, condone, map, physiognomy, look, potato, mask, kisser, face, cast, mug, puss, aspect, expression, features, biscuit

Idioms

    out of countenance, visibly disconcerted; abashed: He was somewhat out of countenance at the prospect of an apology.

Origin of countenance

1250–1300; Middle English cuntenaunce behavior, bearing, self-control < Anglo-French cuntena(u)nce, Old French contenance < Latin continentia; see continence
Related formscoun·te·nanc·er, nounun·coun·te·nanced, adjectiveun·der·coun·te·nance, noun

Synonyms for countenance

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR countenance ON THESAURUS.COM
2. See face.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for countenance

Contemporary Examples of countenance

Historical Examples of countenance

  • They were both silent for a few moments; and Eudora's countenance was troubled.

    Philothea

    Lydia Maria Child

  • He gazed on the bright landscape, as if it had been the countenance of a friend.

    Philothea

    Lydia Maria Child

  • Stern displeasure was visible in the countenance of the great sculptor.

    Philothea

    Lydia Maria Child

  • "Dearest Philothea, I scarcely know his countenance," replied the maiden.

    Philothea

    Lydia Maria Child

  • "His countenance and his voice troubled me, like the presence of evil," answered Philothea.

    Philothea

    Lydia Maria Child

British Dictionary definitions for countenance

countenance

noun

the face, esp when considered as expressing a person's character or mooda pleasant countenance
support or encouragement; sanction
composure; self-control (esp in the phrases keep or lose one's countenance; out of countenance)

verb (tr)

to support or encourage; sanction
to tolerate; endure
Derived Formscountenancer, noun

Word Origin for countenance

C13: from Old French contenance mien, behaviour, from Latin continentia restraint, control; see contain
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for countenance
n.

mid-13c., from Old French contenance "demeanor, bearing, conduct," from Latin continentia "restraint, abstemiousness, moderation," literally "way one contains oneself," from continentem, present participle of continere (see contain). Meaning evolving Middle English from "appearance" to "facial expression betraying a state of mind," to "face" itself (late 14c.).

v.

late 15c., "to behave or act," from countenance (n.). Sense of "to favor, patronize" is from 1560s, from notion of "to look upon with sanction or smiles." Related: Countenanced; countenancing.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper