Craven

Craven describes someone utterly lacking courage; contemptibly timid and fearful. It suggests a deep-seated and pervasive cowardice, often manifested in actions designed to avoid danger or confrontation at any cost. A Craven person is willing to sacrifice principles, betray others, or submit to humiliation rather than face a threat or stand up for what is right. The term carries a strong negative connotation, implying a moral failing as well as a lack of bravery.

Craven meaning with examples

• The Craven knight abandoned his post at the first sign of the enemy, fleeing into the woods and leaving his comrades to face the onslaught.
• His Craven actions, betraying his friends to save his own skin, earned him the contempt of the entire community.
• The manager's Craven response to the ethical breach allowed the corrupt practice to continue, fearing reprisal from upper management.
• Despite his claims of bravery, his Craven behavior during the crisis revealed his true character – he always prioritized self-preservation.
• The political party was accused of cravenly pandering to extremist views in an attempt to gain votes, abandoning their core principles.