FROWN

frown, scowl

(noun) a facial expression of dislike or displeasure

frown, glower, lour, lower

(verb) look angry or sullen, wrinkle one’s forehead, as if to signal disapproval

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology 1

Noun

frown (plural frowns)

A facial expression in which the eyebrows are brought together, and the forehead is wrinkled, usually indicating displeasure, sadness or worry, or less often confusion or concentration.

A facial expression in which the corners of the mouth are pointed down.

Etymology 2

Verb

frown (third-person singular simple present frowns, present participle frowning, simple past and past participle frowned)

(intransitive) To have a frown on one's face.

(intransitive, figurative) To manifest displeasure or disapprobation; to look with disfavour or threateningly.

(transitive) To repress or repel by expressing displeasure or disapproval; to rebuke with a look.

(transitive) To communicate by frowning.

Synonyms

• scowl

Source: Wiktionary


Frown, v. i. [imp. &, p. p. Frowned; p. pr. & vb. n. Frowning.] Etym: [OF. froignier, F. frogner, in se refrogner, se renfrogner, to knit the brow, to frown; perh. of Teutonic origin; cf. It. in frigno wrinkled, frowning, Prov. It. frignare to cringe the face, to make a wry face, dial. Sw. fryna to make a wry face,]

1. To contract the brow in displeasure, severity, or sternness; to scowl; to put on a stern, grim, or surly look. The frowning wrinkle of her brow. Shak.

2. To manifest displeasure or disapprobation; to look with disfavor or threateningly; to lower; as, polite society frowns upon rudeness. The sky doth frown and lower upon our army. Shak.

Frown, v. t.

Definition: To repress or repel by expressing displeasure or disapproval; to rebuke with a look; as, frown the impudent fellow into silence.

Frown, n.

1. A wrinkling of the face in displeasure, rebuke, etc.; a sour, severe, or stere look; a scowl. His front yet threatens, and his frowns command. Prior. Her very frowns are fairer far Than smiles of other maidens are. H. Coleridge.

2. Any expression of displeasure; as, the frowns of Providence; the frowns of Fortune.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

23 May 2025

THOUGHTFULLY

(adverb) showing consideration and thoughtfulness; “he had thoughtfully brought with him some food to share”


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Coffee Trivia

In 1511, leaders in Mecca believed coffee stimulated radical thinking and outlawed the drink. In 1524, the leaders overturned that order, and people could drink coffee again.

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