countenance Hear it!

countenance definition

coun·te·nance (ko̵unt′'n əns)

noun

  1. the look on a person's face that shows one's nature or feelings
  2. the face; facial features; visage
    1. a look of approval on the face
    2. approval; support; sanction
  4. calm control; composure
  5. Obsolete
    1. the way a thing looks; appearance
    2. false appearance

Etymology: ME & OFr contenance, bearing, conduct < L continentia, lit., way one holds oneself, restraint < continere: see contain

transitive verb countenanced -·nanced, countenancing -·nanc·ing

to give support or sanction to; approve or tolerate
countenance Idioms

in countenance

calm; composed

put out of countenance

or stare out of countenance
to cause to lose composure; embarrass; disconcert

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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