cower
UK[ˈkaʊə(r)]US[ˈkaʊər]
v
To bend low or move backwards because you are frightened.
Etymology
The word 'cower' entered English in the late Middle English period, borrowed from a Scandinavian or Germanic source. Its core idea relates to shrinking down, crouching, or remaining still, likely from an instinctive posture of an animal or person trying to hide from danger. Over centuries, this specific physical posture became exclusively associated with the reaction of fear or intimidation, shedding any neutral connotations of resting or waiting. The modern meaning perfectly captures the image of someone drawing their body inwards and downwards to appear smaller when threatened.
Analysis
This is a simplex word of Middle English origin, likely from the Middle Low German word kūren meaning "to lie in wait" or the Old Norse kúra meaning "to be quiet or doze." Its functional role is as a complete verb root.
Examples
The puppy would cower in the corner during a thunderstorm.
They refused to cower before the threats of the oppressive regime.
Loud, sudden noises make some people instinctively cower.