scowl

[skoul]

verb (used without object)

1. to draw down or contract the brows in a sullen, displeased, or angry manner.

   Synonyms: glare, lower, frown

2. to have a gloomy or threatening look.

   Synonyms: gloom, glower

verb (used with object)

1. to affect or express with a scowl.

noun

1. a scowling expression, look, or aspect.

scowl

/ skaʊl /

verb

1. (intr) to contract the brows in a threatening or angry manner

noun

1. a gloomy or threatening expression

Other Word Forms

• scowler noun
• scowlful adjective
• scowlingly adverb
• unscowling adjective
• unscowlingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of scowl¹

1300–50; Middle English scoulen (v.); perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Danish skule to scowl, Norwegian skule to look furtively, though these may be < Low German schūlen to spy

Word History and Origins

Origin of scowl¹

C14: probably from Scandinavian; compare Danish skule to look down, Old English scūlēgede squint-eyed

Example Sentences

He is a gargoyle come to life, complete with the perpetual scowl and the mountainous muscles.

Read more on Literature

Stern and officious, the admiral scowled down at each Incorrigible.

Read more on Literature

When Penelope and the children approached, he scowled.

Read more on Literature

Lately I’ve been thinking about embracing my problem and adopting the stiff, scowling 19th-century portrait position, but that pairs even worse with a beaming kid.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Whether it’s Morton’s perpetually scowling expression in the infrequent cutaways to Brian’s life back home or the on-the-nose emphasis on looming gray clouds, there’s no question a storm is coming.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• glare 
• glower 
• grimace