cowed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary. Used more in writing than casual speech.
Quick answer
What does “cowed” mean?
To be intimidated, frightened, or subdued into submission.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To be intimidated, frightened, or subdued into submission.
To be rendered timid, docile, or overawed, often through threats or a display of superior force or authority. It implies a loss of spirit or confidence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major grammatical differences. Slightly more frequent in British historical/political commentary.
Connotations
Equally strong in both dialects, conveying weakness induced by oppression.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but understood by educated speakers. More common in passive constructions ('be cowed', 'were cowed').
Grammar
How to Use “cowed” in a Sentence
be cowed by [person/force/threat]cow someone into [silence/submission/compliance]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cowed” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The headteacher's stern lecture cowed the rebellious pupils.
- They were not a people easily cowed by military posturing.
American English
- The prosecutor's intense questioning cowed the witness.
- The regime cowed the population into silent compliance.
adjective
British English
- He had a cowed look about him after the meeting with his superior.
- The cowed prisoners spoke only when spoken to.
American English
- Her cowed demeanor suggested a history of abuse.
- The team was cowed and unresponsive after the crushing defeat.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The junior staff were cowed by the CEO's aggressive management style.'
Academic
Used in history/political science to describe oppressed groups. 'The peasants were cowed by the landlord's militia.'
Everyday
Uncommon. 'Don't be cowed by his bluster; stand your ground.'
Technical
Not used in scientific contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cowed”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cowed”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cowed”
- Using 'cowed' to mean simply 'sad' or 'disappointed'. It requires an active agent of intimidation.
- Using it as a transitive verb incorrectly: 'He cowed' (incomplete) vs. 'He was cowed' or 'He cowed them'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily the past participle of the verb 'to cow', but it functions perfectly as a descriptive adjective (e.g., 'a cowed expression').
'Scared' is a general term for fear. 'Cowed' specifically means scared into a state of submission or passiveness, often by a person or authority.
Almost never. It inherently describes a negative state of loss of agency or confidence due to intimidation.
Grammatically, yes. It means 'I feel intimidated/subdued'. However, it is a fairly formal/literary word for everyday speech.
To be intimidated, frightened, or subdued into submission.
Cowed is usually formal, literary. used more in writing than casual speech. in register.
Cowed: in British English it is pronounced /kaʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /kaʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cowed into submission”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COW being herded aggressively—it becomes CAWed (cowed) and submits to the farmer's will.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER IS PHYSICAL DOMINANCE OVER ANIMALS. The victim is metaphorically reduced to a herd animal.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'cowed' correctly?