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coward

[ˈkaʊərd]

coward Definition

a person who lacks courage in facing danger, difficulty, opposition, pain, etc.; a timid or easily intimidated person..

Using coward: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "coward" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He was called a coward for not standing up to the bully.

  • Example

    She felt like a coward for not speaking up during the meeting.

  • Example

    The soldier was awarded a medal for bravery, while his cowardly comrade was dishonorably discharged.

  • Example

    Don't be such a coward and face your fears!

coward Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for coward

Antonyms for coward

Idioms Using coward

  • scare/frighten the coward out of someone

    to terrify someone to the point where they lose their fear and become brave

    Example

    The near-death experience scared the coward out of him, and he became a fearless adventurer.

  • to cause someone to become fearful or timid

    Example

    The constant bullying made a coward of him, and he was afraid to stand up for himself.

  • to fight in a dishonorable or underhanded way, often by attacking someone who is weaker or defenseless

    Example

    He fought like a coward, hitting his opponent when he wasn't looking.

Phrases with coward

  • die a coward's death

    to die in a way that is considered shameful or dishonorable, often by running away from danger or failing to fight back

    Example

    He refused to fight and died a coward's death.

  • someone who is inherently fearful or timid, regardless of their outward behavior

    Example

    Despite his tough exterior, he was a coward at heart.

  • a character in The Wizard of Oz who is initially portrayed as a coward but ultimately finds courage

    Example

    The Cowardly Lion was one of the beloved characters in The Wizard of Oz.

Origins of coward

from Old French 'coart', meaning 'tail' or 'rump'

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Summary: coward in Brief

A 'coward' [ˈkaʊərd] is someone who lacks courage in the face of danger, difficulty, opposition, pain, etc. It is often used as an insult, as in 'He was called a coward for not standing up to the bully.' The term can also be used in idioms like 'scare/frighten the coward out of someone,' meaning to terrify someone to the point where they lose their fear and become brave.

How do native speakers use this expression?