countenance

[ koun-tn-uhns ]

/ ˈkaʊn tn əns /

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.

Nearby words

countable, countably additive function, countably compact set, countback, countdown, countenance, counter, counter check, counter electromotive force, counter jumper, counter reformation

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 forms

coun·te·nanc·er, nounun·coun·te·nanced, adjectiveun·der·coun·te·nance, noun

Synonym study

2. See face.

Word story

The English noun countenance comes from Middle English from Old French contenance, countenance “behavior, bearing.” Its original meaning in the 13th century came directly from the Old French. Later, in the 14th century, this developed into the current sense “the look or expression on a person’s face.”
The Old French noun ultimately comes from the Latin noun continentia “self-control, restraint,” a derivation of the verb continēre “to hold together, keep together, keep under control.”

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for 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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
I cannot countenance any more breathless, fanzine-style chronicling of her attire.
First Lady Fashion Fatigue|Robin Givhan|November 5, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He relied on manner, attitude, and countenance to represent a subject's legacy.
Remembering Irving Penn|Philip Gefter|October 8, 2009|DAILY BEAST

Mandelson has not said sorry, if he had to resign again even Lazarus would not countenance a third comeback.
And You Thought U.S. Conservatives Were Out of Touch!|Andrew Pierce|November 7, 2008|DAILY BEAST
His brother Olaf was a tall, thin man; handsome in countenance; lively, modest, and popular.
Heimskringla|Snorri Sturlason
The doctor kept his countenance and checked a smile which might have escaped most people at the aspect of the man.
The Two Brothers|Honore de Balzac
Her countenance expressed surprise and bewilderment that no chick was in sight.
Elsie at Ion|Martha Finley
He was shown the jewel; and from the expression of admiration on his countenance, I could see we had not overvalued it.
Confessions of a Thug|Philip Meadows Taylor
What countenance did she put on at the perusal of my letter?
The History of Don Quixote de la Mancha|Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

British Dictionary definitions for countenance

countenance

/ (ˈkaʊntɪnəns) /

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 Forms

countenancer, 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