glower (2009-08-29)

Part of Speech: verb

Pronunciation: ['gla-wêr]

Definition: To stare menacingly.

Usage: Glowering always bothers people, so it is usually used defensively: "I hate it when mama glowers at me until I start my homework." "My dad doesn't speak but just glowers when I come home late." Here's another useful use: "You don't have to glower like that just because I smashed one burger in your cargo pants!"

Suggested Usage: In the motion picture world glowering is known as "the slow burn," an expression of barely contained fury with the eyes focused on the person at fault.

Etymology: Middle English gloren, possibly from Norwegian dialect glyra "to look askance." It is less likely a blend of glare + scour "search" (ME glaren + scuren).