DEFINITIONS
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countenance

[ koun-tn-uhns ]
/ ˈkaʊn tn əns /
SEE 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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Words related to countenance

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

Words nearby countenance

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

Idioms for countenance

    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

OTHER WORDS FROM countenance

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

synonym study for countenance

2. See face.

historical usage of countenance

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

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 of countenance

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