hunker
Settle in low
To hunker is to squat or crouch low, typically on the balls of the feet: He hunkered by the campfire.
The posture suggests settling in or bracing yourself.
To hunker down is to take shelter, dig in, or prepare to wait something out: We hunkered down for the storm.
The phrase implies endurance—staying put through difficulty rather than fleeing.
Reinforced subterranean stronghold
- barricadeObstacle blocking a path
- shelterProtected place or structure
- refugePlace of safety
- strongholdFortified place of defense
hideaway · safehouse · retreat · entrench · dig in · secure · defend · protect
Continue despite obstacles
- surviveContinue to exist
- withstandRemain intact despite pressure
- bearLarge furry omnivore
- toleratePermit without approval
outlast · persist · weather · brave · stand · resist · holdout · sustain
Reduced, potent form
- buckle downApply oneself determinedly
- knuckle downApply oneself earnestly
- applyPut into operation
- commitBind to a course
dedicate · zero in · bear down · get serious · settle in · dig in · double down · intensify
squat
Crouching on bent legs
kneel · crouch · cower · scrunch · curl · hunch · nestle · perch · slink · lurk
bunker
Reinforced subterranean stronghold
stronghold · hideaway · safehouse · retreat · entrench · dig in · secure · defend · protect · garrison
persevere
Continue despite obstacles
tolerate · outlast · persist · weather · brave · stand · resist · holdout · sustain · prevail
concentrate
Reduced, potent form
- buckle downApply oneself determinedly
- knuckle downApply oneself earnestly
- applyPut into operation
commit · dedicate · zero in · bear down · get serious · settle in · dig in · double down · intensify · engage
- body movementsflexion, bend, twist, standing, extension
- hidinghide, conceal, take cover, hole up, go underground
- low positionssquat, deep squat, crouch, Asian squat, sumo squat
- shelter verbsshelter, house, protect, cover, shield
hunkerstand tall
Maintain dignity under pressure
straighten up · rise · stretch out · extend · sprawl
- hunker downSettle in defensively
- hunkered downTook shelter, stayed put
- hunkering downSquatting and staying put