countenance

[koun-tn-uh ns]

See more synonyms for countenance on Thesaurus.com

noun

appearance, especially the look or expression of the face: a sad countenance.
the face; visage.
calm facial expression; composure.

approval or favor; encouragement; moral support.
Obsolete. bearing; behavior.

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.

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

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2. See face.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for countenance

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

Examples from the Web for countenance

Contemporary Examples of countenance

That kind of smart person cannot countenance the idea of obscurity as a fate.
From Smarm To Snark, We’re All Soldiers In The War On Obscurity
James Poulos
December 7, 2013
The larger of the two government parties, Fine Gael, has said it will not countenance legal abortion in Ireland.
When Pro-Life Means Death
Kitty Holland
November 16, 2012
His opponent in the American election, Mitt Romney, has at times seemed more willing to countenance a unilateral Israeli strike.
Olmert Blasts Bibi on Iran, Relationship with Obama
Dan Ephron
November 6, 2012
I cannot countenance any more breathless, fanzine-style chronicling of her attire.
First Lady Fashion Fatigue
Robin Givhan
November 5, 2012
He relied on manner, attitude, and countenance to represent a subject's legacy.
Remembering Irving Penn
Philip Gefter
October 8, 2009

Historical Examples of countenance

"His countenance and his voice troubled me, like the presence of evil," answered Philothea.
Philothea
Lydia Maria Child
They were both silent for a few moments; and Eudora's countenance was troubled.
Philothea
Lydia Maria Child
Stern displeasure was visible in the countenance of the great sculptor.
Philothea
Lydia Maria Child
He gazed on the bright landscape, as if it had been the countenance of a friend.
Philothea
Lydia Maria Child
Suddenly his countenance shone with a strange and impressive beauty.
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

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.).

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.