cower
//ˈkaʊ.ər//
Verb
cowerInfinitive
cowerPresent tense
coweredPast tense
coweredPast participle
coweringPresent participle
cowersThird-person singular
1
To crouch down or shrink back in fear, typically with the body hunched and arms drawn in for protection.
The dog cowered in the corner during the thunderstorm.
2
To behave in a submissive or timid manner due to fear or intimidation.
The employee cowered before the angry manager, unable to speak up for himself.