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.

---

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

For flights six hours and longer, you can hunker down and make your way through a film franchise or an entire season or seasons of a television series.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2025

Instead of making a run for it, he resolves to hunker down until the heat is off.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 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

At the mere glimpse of one of the nibbling, button-eyed, bushy-tailed creatures, the children would freeze to attention, stare, hunker down, and approach silently in low, even crouches until within striking distance.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood