hunkering
Settling in defensively
Hunkering is the act of crouching down on one's heels or squatting low to the ground.
The word often implies settling in or waiting something out: We spent the storm hunkering in the basement.
To hunker down suggests bracing for difficulty or digging in stubbornly: The team is hunkering down for a long negotiation.
Low crouch position
- crouchingBending low, knees bent
- stoopingBending body forward
- duckingBending to avoid impact
- kneelingLowering onto bent legs
bending · lowering · haunches · tucking · curling · perching · settling · sinking
Marine vessel refueling
- refugePlace of safety
- coverProtect by overlaying
- protectionGuarding against harm
- holing upSecluding oneself temporarily
hiding · concealment · retreat · laying low · taking cover · weathering · riding out · securing
Sustained resolve despite obstacles
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- steadfastnessFirm loyal dedication
grit · determination · toughness · persistence · staying power · survival · holding on · bearing down
Active mental awareness
- watchfulnessCareful, sustained attention
- warinessCautious distrust
- cautionCareful attention to risk
- readinessState of being prepared
preparedness · guard · awareness · attention · waiting · anticipation · biding time · lying in wait
squatting
Low crouch position
kneeling · bending · lowering · haunches · tucking · curling · perching · settling · sinking · folding
bunkering
Marine vessel refueling
- refugePlace of safety
- coverProtect by overlaying
- protectionGuarding against harm
holing up · hiding · concealment · retreat · laying low · taking cover · weathering · riding out · securing · fortifying
perseverance
Sustained resolve despite obstacles
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
steadfastness · grit · determination · toughness · persistence · staying power · survival · holding on · bearing down · sticking it out
alertness
Active mental awareness
- watchfulnessCareful, sustained attention
- warinessCautious distrust
- cautionCareful attention to risk
readiness · preparedness · guard · awareness · attention · waiting · anticipation · biding time · lying in wait · poised
hunkeringstanding tall
Remaining proudly upright
standing upright · rising · towering · looming · rearing up
hunkeringcowering
Shrinking in fear
cringing · confronting · engaging · advancing · quailing
hunkeringadvancing
Moving in forward direction
charging · attacking · confronting · engaging · pressing on
- hunkering downSquatting and staying put