scowl Hear it!

scowl Definition

scowl (sko̵ul)

intransitive verb

  1. to contract the eyebrows and lower the corners of the mouth in showing displeasure; look angry, irritated, or sullen
  2. to have a threatening look; lower

Etymology: ME scoulen, prob. < Scand, as in Dan skule, in same sense, akin to MHG schulen, to be hidden, lurk < IE *(s)kulo-, concealment < base *(s)keu-, to cover

transitive verb

to affect, influence, or express with a scowl or scowls

noun

  1. the act or expression of scowling; angry frown
  2. a threatening aspect

scowl Related Forms
scowler noun
scowl Synonyms

scowl

v.

scowl Usage Examples

Object

  • face: According to the speed recorded the SID equipment will show either a smiling or scowling face.

Converse of object

  • wear: Wear a smile and have friends; wear a scowl and have wrinkles.

Adjective modifier

  • permanent: With a permanent scowl on her face and a swear word on her lips.
  • serious: Sun Microsystems, however, put on a very serious scowl at a Media Summit held at its Menlo Park offices last week.
  • angry: He turned, and just to look at his angry scowl, I realized that it would not be wise to carry on.

Modifying Another Word

  • back: Rob smiled and pointed the electric tube at the man, who doubtless recognized its power, for he fell back scowling and trembling.
  • just: His wife said nothing just scowled at him and the growing pile of empty sweet packets.

Followed by an intransitive particle

  • down: Then we might imagine God up in heaven scowling down at us in disappointment.
  • up: Dalziel was scowling up at his inspector now. What's gotten in to you, lad?

Used with why or when

  • when: I therefore tried to get him to smile and not to scowl when any children were nearby.

Browse dictionary entries near scowl

  1. scow
  2. scoutmaster
  3. scouting
  4. scoutcraft
  5. scout car
  6. scout
  7. scouse
  8. scourings
  9. scouring rush
  10. scouring powder
  1. SCP
  2. SCR
  3. scrabble
  4. scrabbly
  5. scrag
  6. scraggly
  7. scraggy
  8. scram
  9. scramble
  10. scramjet