cowed

American

[koud] / kaʊd /

adjective

frightened by threats, violence, superior strength or ability, etc.; intimidated or overawed.

No, I’m not worried about going up against the chess champion—what do you take me for, an easily cowed novice?

verb

the simple past tense and past participle of cow.

Other Word Forms

uncowed

adjective

Etymology

Origin of cowed

First recorded in 1740–50; cow ² ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. ) for the adjective; cow ² ( def. ) + -ed ¹ ( def. ) for the verb

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In seeking the injunction, Bonta’s office argues that Amazon threatens “dire consequences if vendors do not comply. Vendors, cowed by Amazon’s overwhelming bargaining leverage and fearing punishment, comply,” according to the filing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

Her other brother, Albert, feels increasingly overshadowed by Viktor and cowed by the demands of the family’s failing farm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Rather than being cowed by the crowd, Newcastle made an aggressive start.

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

"But we will not be intimidated. We will not be cowed."

From Barron's • Oct. 18, 2025

Both raptors shrieked and landed suddenly, their heads cowed; a low, rattling growl filled the air as they glanced back and forth.

From "Dactyl Hill Squad" by Daniel José Older

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023