cowering
Trembling in fear
Cowering is cringing or shrinking back in fear, typically with the body hunched low and protective.
A dog cowers when scolded; a person cowers before a threat.
The posture suggests submission and vulnerability: The hostages sat cowering in the corner.
Unlike flinching, which is momentary, cowering implies sustained fearfulness.
Involuntary shaking motion
- cringingShrinking in discomfort
- quakingTrembling or shuddering
- shrinkingDecreasing in dimension
- flinchingInvoluntary recoil response
recoiling · huddling · whimpering · shaking · terrified · petrified · panic-stricken · horror-struck
Decreasing in dimension
- withdrawnEmotionally distant, disengaged
- timorousShowing nervous apprehension
- mousyShy and unassertive
- fearfulFull of fright
nervous · apprehensive · anxious · skittish · jittery · hesitant · tentative · diffident
Demeaning self-abasement before another
- bowingBending forward in deference
- kneelingLowering onto bent legs
- prostrateLying fully extended
- crouchingBending low, knees bent
hunched · stooped · meek · servile · subservient · obsequious · deferential · acquiescent
Expressed intent to harm
- menacedThreatened with harm
- bulliedRepeatedly mistreated by aggressors
- dominatedControlled or overpowered
- corneredUnable to flee
trapped · overpowered · victimized · vulnerable · helpless · defenseless · pressured · oppressed
trembling
Involuntary shaking motion
flinching · recoiling · huddling · whimpering · shaking · terrified · petrified · panic-stricken · horror-struck · frightened
shrinking
Decreasing in dimension
- withdrawnEmotionally distant, disengaged
- timorousShowing nervous apprehension
- mousyShy and unassertive
fearful · nervous · apprehensive · anxious · skittish · jittery · hesitant · tentative · diffident · sheepish
groveling
Demeaning self-abasement before another
crouching · hunched · stooped · meek · servile · subservient · obsequious · deferential · acquiescent · subdued
threatened
Expressed intent to harm
- menacedThreatened with harm
- bulliedRepeatedly mistreated by aggressors
- dominatedControlled or overpowered
cornered · trapped · overpowered · victimized · vulnerable · helpless · defenseless · pressured · oppressed · terrorized
- defensive gesturesflinching, cringing, ducking, recoiling, wincing
- Posturessupine, upright, slouch, slump, erect
- behaviorshabit, aggressive, agitation, conduct, passive
- body responsesfight, flight, shivering, freeze, goosebumps
- cowardicecraven, gutless, spineless, yellow, yellow-bellied
- stress reactionspanic, fear, fright, terror, horror
coweringstanding tall
Remaining proudly upright
chest out · head held high · upright · towering · erect
coweringbrave
Showing courage despite fear
courageous · fearless · defiant · bold · fierce
coweringconfronting
Addressing directly
standing one's ground · fighting back · advancing · charging · attacking