hunker down

American  

[huhng-ker doun] / ˈhʌŋ kər ˈdaʊn /

verb phrase

1. to crouch or squat on one’s heels.

   Some of the taller kids have trouble with the exercises that involve a lot of hunkering down.

2. 1. to hide, hide out, or take shelter, often for just a few hours or less, as from a pursuer or a storm.

      Runaways hunkered down in all sorts of places along the Underground Railroad.

      Rain pelted our boat through the night, but we were able to hunker down in a small harbor until daybreak.

   2. to settle in to the safety of one’s home or other designated shelter for a potentially prolonged time, as would be necessitated by a natural disaster or an outbreak of a contagious disease.

      Before hunkering down, we made sure we had enough food, water, batteries, and first-aid supplies to last at least three weeks.

      Make a plan, and prepare to hunker down.

3. to hold resolutely or stubbornly to a policy, opinion, etc., when confronted by criticism, opposition, or unfavorable circumstances.

   Rather than moving toward compromise, both sides continue to hunker down.

   He hunkered down and refused to admit his guilt.

4. to give one’s full and earnest attention to a project, assignment, or other obligation.

   No partying for me this weekend—I’ve got to hunker down and finish this term paper.

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Etymology

Origin of hunker down

First recorded in 1720–30; originally Scottish; hunker ( def. ) + down ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Determined to survive, Iran might initially hunker down or seek to draw out any conflict.

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

"We just want to hunker down, close the curtains, and stay inside," she said.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

"They need heat and energy to fly so what we are seeing at the moment is them taking advantage of the good weather to find the right place to hunker down for winter."

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2025

Gee Gee Rosell, who lives on Hatteras Island, stopped by her store Buxton Village Books on Wednesday to unpack a new shipment and manage orders from residents before they hunker down.

From The Wall Street Journal • Aug. 20, 2025

No matter how cold it gets, no matter how extreme the conditions, they must be prepared to hunker down in the woods until the coast is clear.

From "Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever" by Bill O'Reilly