craven
UK[ˈkreɪvən]US[ˈkreɪvən]
adj
extremely cowardly; lacking the least bravery
n
a cowardly person
Etymology
the word 'craven' entered middle english from the old french term 'cravanté', meaning 'defeated' or 'vanquished', which was the past participle of the verb 'cravanter' (to crush, overwhelm, or break). this old french word likely has its origins in the latin verb 'crepāre', meaning 'to crack, burst, or break'. the semantic journey is vivid: from the physical sense of being broken or crushed, the meaning evolved to describe a person whose spirit is broken, leading to the modern abstract sense of utter cowardice and defeatism. it is a powerful example of a physical state metaphorically extending to a psychological and moral characteristic.
Analysis
the word 'craven' is a simplex word. it is not productively formed from identifiable, separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
his craven retreat from the debate disappointed his supporters.
the story condemned the king as a craven who abandoned his people.
she refused to give a craven response to the unfair accusations.