crouch

American  

[krouch] / kraʊtʃ /

verb (used without object)

1. to stoop or bend low.

2. to bend close to the ground, as an animal preparing to spring or shrinking with fear.

3. to bow or stoop servilely; cringe.

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verb (used with object)

1. to bend low.

noun

1. the act of crouching.

crouch British  

/ kraʊtʃ /

verb

1. (intr) to bend low with the limbs pulled up close together, esp (of an animal) in readiness to pounce

2. (intr) to cringe, as in humility or fear

3. (tr) to bend (parts of the body), as in humility or fear

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noun

1. the act of stooping or bending

Other Word Forms

• croucher noun
• crouchingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of crouch

1175–1225; Middle English crouchen, perhaps blend of couchen to lie down ( couch ) and croken to crook ¹

Example Sentences

He crouched down in preparation, and then, from hops seventy through seventy-six, he rose up in the air just as she did and landed at the same time too.

From Literature

Red’s granny suddenly looked very wise and maybe even less crouched and wrinkly.

From Literature

Seven-time world champion Shiffrin appeared to be in disbelief as she initially crossed the line but eventually crouched on her skis with her head in her hands before fist pumping towards the crowd.

From BBC

So now the two boys were crouched beside a wall safe in Chip’s basement.

From Literature

She lay down and kicked her legs, but kicking Chica in the head didn’t seem a good way to thank her, so she crouched forward and paddled with her hands.

From Literature

Related Words

• bend
• cower
• grovel
• huddle
• hunch
• kneel
• squat
• stoop
• wince