frown
/fraʊn
/verb [no object]
1Furrow one’s brows in an expression indicating disapproval, displeasure, or concentration: he frowned as he reread the letter...
- He had a very heavy brow that always made him appear as though he were frowning.
- The innkeeper raised his brow in question, and he was frowning as he shook his head.
- The songs are irritatingly infectious with enough angst to keep the moodiest teenagers frowning.
Synonyms
scowl, glower, glare, lour, look sullen, make a face, look daggers;
give someone black looks;
knit/furrow one's brows
informal give someone dirty looks, give someone a death stare
1.1 (frown on/upon) Disapprove of: promiscuity was frowned upon...
- On the other hand, boys and girls and young men and women are clearly disenchanted with a system that frowns upon spontaneity.
- Asia is home to many great cuisines, yet the masters of the region's kitchens have in the past preferred to stay out of the limelight, thanks to Confucian modesty and an apprenticeship system that frowns on publicity seeking.
- For example, the old church seemed to frown upon the system of concerts of live music as a way of praying.
Synonyms
disapprove of, view with dislike/disfavour, show/indicate disapproval of, dislike, discourage, look askance at, not take kindly to, not think much of, take a dim view of, find unacceptable, be against, take exception to, object to, think wrong, discountenance, have a low opinion of
noun
A facial expression or look characterized by a furrowing of one’s brows: a frown of disapproval...
- A slight frown creased her brow but disappeared almost as soon as it had come.
- A worried frown creased the cook's face as soon as little Alissa was gone.
- Grace stood in the doorway, a worried frown creasing her smooth, pale forehead.
Synonyms
scowl, glower, glare, black look, dirty look;
knitted brows, furrowed brows
informal death stare
Origin
Late Middle English: from Old French froignier, from froigne 'surly look', of Celtic origin.