Scowled

To scowl is to contract the brow and wrinkle the forehead, often as an expression of anger, disapproval, or displeasure. It’s a facial expression indicating negative emotions, conveying a feeling of annoyance, suspicion, or hostility. The action physically manifests as a furrowing of the eyebrows and a downward turn of the mouth, immediately signaling the individual’s emotional state. The intensity of a scowl can vary, ranging from a slight frown to a deep, intimidating glare. Often, a scowl accompanies a critical or judgmental attitude, or it signals a person's disagreement or dissatisfaction, and also can convey concentration or deep thought, though most often carries a negative connotation. Scowling is also a nonverbal form of communication with a deeply understood meaning. A scowl often indicates a need for further investigation to determine its cause.

Scowled meaning with examples

• The teacher scowled at the disruptive students, their constant chatter interrupting her lecture. The furrow of her brow and the tight set of her lips made it clear they were pushing her patience. The students immediately quieted down, recognizing the gravity of her displeasure and understanding that they were on the verge of a reprimand if they didn’t act immediately.
• After the dog chewed up his favorite shoes, John scowled at the canine, his face contorted in a mixture of anger and exasperation. He pointed his finger at the now guilty animal who put its tail between its legs and avoided eye contact with him. The dog's submissive behavior validated John's disapproval, though his anger quickly subsided, and he was chuckling within minutes.
• As the detective reviewed the crime scene photos, he scowled, his brow furrowing in concentration. His eyes darted over the clues, trying to make sense of the chaos. He wanted the culprit and the resolution of the problem and as each new piece of evidence appeared, he was slowly building a narrative of the crime. The gravity of the situation was etched onto his face.
• When Sarah saw the exorbitant price tag, she scowled. She had planned a weekend away, but the cost was well beyond her budget. The disappointment and frustration were evident. The expression conveyed her feelings with greater effectiveness than words could muster, and she was already planning how to get the needed funds.