Coward

A person who lacks courage in facing danger, difficulty, opposition, pain, or anything perceived as frightening. Cowardice is often associated with a fear of physical harm, social judgment, or the unknown, causing the individual to avoid or retreat from challenging situations. This avoidance can manifest in various ways, including a reluctance to take risks, stand up for one's beliefs, or confront uncomfortable truths. The term carries a strong negative connotation, implying a failure of character and a deficiency of bravery.

Coward meaning with examples

• He was branded a coward for refusing to fight, but his decision stemmed from a deep-seated fear of violence and loss. His pacifism, seen by others as weakness, was a conviction.
• Faced with the prospect of public speaking, the candidate retreated, choosing to remain silent. The party officials worried that it would make him seem like a coward to the voters.
• Accused of betraying his friends, the witness refused to testify, afraid of the potential repercussions. The accusation was that he was being a coward to protect himself from danger.
• The soldiers scorned their commander, calling him a coward, as he ordered a retreat before engaging the enemy. His action showed a fear of potential casualties on the battlefield.
• She felt like a coward for not speaking up when she saw the injustice, but she was terrified of the consequences for her career. Her fear silenced her protests.