frown Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a facial expression of dislike or displeasure
    scowl.
  2. verb look angry or sullen, wrinkle one's forehead, as if to signal disapproval
    glower; lower; lour.

WordNet

Frown intransitive verb
Etymology
OF. froignier, F. frogner, in se refrogner, se renfrogner, to knit the brow, to frown; perh. of Teutonic origin; cf. It. in frigno wrinkled, frowning, Prov. It. frignare to cringe the face, to make a wry face, dial. Sw. fryna to make a wry face,
Wordforms
imperfect &, past participle Frowned ; present participle & verbal noun Frowning
Definitions
  1. To contract the brow in displeasure, severity, or sternness; to scowl; to put on a stern, grim, or surly look.
    The frowning wrinkle of her brow. Shak.
  2. To manifest displeasure or disapprobation; to look with disfavor or threateningly; to lower; as, polite society frowns upon rudeness.
    The sky doth frown and lower upon our army. Shak.
Frown transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To repress or repel by expressing displeasure or disapproval; to rebuke with a look; as, frown the impudent fellow into silence.
Frown noun
Definitions
  1. A wrinkling of the face in displeasure, rebuke, etc.; a sour, severe, or stere look; a scowl.
    His front yet threatens, and his frowns command. Prior.
    Her very frowns are fairer far Than smiles of other maidens are. H. Coleridge.
  2. Any expression of displeasure; as, the frowns of Providence; the frowns of Fortune.

Webster 1913