frown

[ froun ]
/ fraʊn /

verb (used without object)

verb (used with object)

to express by a frown: to frown one's displeasure.
to force or shame with a disapproving frown: to frown someone into silence.

noun

a frowning look; scowl.
any expression or show of disapproval: a tax bill that received Congressional frowns.

Origin of frown

1350–1400; Middle English frounen < Old French froignier, derivative of froigne surly expression, probably < Gaulish *frognā; compare Welsh ffroen, Old Breton fron nostril, Old Irish srón nose < Celtic *srognā or *sroknā

OTHER WORDS FROM frown

Words nearby frown

Example sentences from the Web for frown

British Dictionary definitions for frown

frown
/ (fraʊn) /

verb

(intr) to draw the brows together and wrinkle the forehead, esp in worry, anger, or concentration
(intr; foll by on or upon) to have a dislike (of); look disapprovingly (upon) the club frowned upon political activity by its members
(tr) to express (worry, etc) by frowning
(tr often foll by down) to force, silence, etc, by a frowning look

noun

the act of frowning
a show of dislike or displeasure

Derived forms of frown

frowner, noun frowningly, adverb

Word Origin for frown

C14: from Old French froigner, of Celtic origin; compare Welsh ffroen nostril, Middle Breton froan