coward

¹ American  

[kou-erd] / ˈkaʊ ərd /

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

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adjective

1. lacking courage; very fearful or timid.

2. proceeding from or expressive of fear or timidity.

   a coward cry.

Coward ² American  

[kou-erd] / ˈkaʊ ərd /

noun

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

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Coward ¹ British  

/ 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)

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coward ² British  

/ ˈkaʊəd /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of coward

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

Example Sentences

The 53-year-old carpenter was branded a "coward" by Judge Mrs Justice Naomi Ellenbogen for not attending his sentencing after a retrial at Inner London Crown Court.

From BBC

Molly watched him go, unable to decide whether he knew more than he was letting on or was just a coward.

From Literature

Breaking ranks in a constitutional democracy may not incur the same risks as in a totalitarian regime, but revising the dictionary of received ideas isn’t for cowards in any society.

From The Wall Street Journal

But even while Charlie longs to recross the wine dark sea to America, he ought to take solace in Homer’s words: “No man or woman born, coward or brave, can shun his destiny.”

From The Wall Street Journal

I am thankful for all the arcane references to pop culture I have at my disposal to frame the workings of a true coward like Hegseth.

From Salon

Related Words

• wimp