frowned at
Gave stern look
To frown at something is to look at it with disapproval or displeasure, drawing the brows together.
The phrase often describes social or institutional disapproval rather than literal facial expressions: Smoking is frowned at in most workplaces.
What's frowned at isn't forbidden—just discouraged or viewed unfavorably.
- disapprovedExpressed negative judgment
- scowledShowed displeasure facially
- grimacedMade a pained face
- glaredStared with anger
- censuredFormally disapproved of
criticized · rebuked · admonished · raised an eyebrow · doubted · scoffed · discouraged · sneered · glowered · condemned · judged · shamed · turned up nose · winced · smirked · dismissed · questioned · squinted