Synonyms for coward

Grammar : Noun

Spell : kou-erd

Phonetic Transcription : ˈkaʊ ərd

Top 10 synonyms for coward

Other synonyms for the word coward

Définition of coward

Origin : mid-13c., from Old French coart "coward" (no longer the usual word in French, which has now in this sense poltron, from Italian, and lâche), from coe "tail," from Latin coda, popular dialect variant of cauda "tail," of uncertain origin + -ard, an agent noun suffix denoting one that carries on some action or possesses some quality, with derogatory connotation (see -ard).
The word probably reflects an animal metaphoric sense still found in expressions like turning tail and tail between legs. Coart was the name of the hare in Old French versions of "Reynard the Fox." Italian codardo, Spanish cobarde are from French.
The identification of coward & bully has gone so far in the popular consciousness that persons & acts in which no trace of fear is to be found are often called coward(ly) merely because advantage has been taken of superior strength or position .... [Fowler]
As a surname (attested from 1255) it represents Old English cuhyrde "cow-herd." Farmer has coward's castle "a pulpit," "Because a clergyman may deliver himself therefrom without fear of contradiction or argument."

noun person who is scared, easily intimidated

Example sentences :

At any rate, I won't be coward enough to try to hide it from her.
Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger

If the first thing happened, you'd have been a coward the rest of your life.
Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand

The coward would not have the courage to contradict her, but he would know if he were lying!
Extract from : « Weighed and Wanting » by George MacDonald

"Because I was a coward," answered Corney, speaking the truth with courage.
Extract from : « Weighed and Wanting » by George MacDonald

And yet it was a coward's blow, and one to stir the blood and loose the tongue of the most peaceful.
Extract from : « The White Company » by Arthur Conan Doyle

I have nothing left to fear, and methinks I am ten times more a coward than ever.
Extract from : « The Wives of The Dead » by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Being neither a coward nor a fool, he saw what was before him.
Extract from : « The Trail Book » by Mary Austin

This was not because he was afraid, for he was not a coward.
Extract from : « In the Midst of Alarms » by Robert Barr

I was a coward to talk as I did; but I love you more now than I did even then.
Extract from : « In the Midst of Alarms » by Robert Barr

It at once aroused all that was stern in his nature—to have such a coward offer him an insult.
Extract from : « Ridgeway » by Scian Dubh

Antonyms for coward

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019