craven

UK: /ˈkreɪv^ən/ US: /ˈkreɪvən/ ,(krā′vən)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

cra•ven /ˈkreɪvən/   adj. 

1. showing a shameful lack of courage;
   cowardly.

cra•ven•ly, adv.: 

He gave in cravenly to whatever the boss asked for.

cra•ven•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

cra•ven  (krā′vən), adj. 

1. cowardly;
   contemptibly timid;
   pusillanimous.

n. 

2. a coward.
3. Idioms cry craven, to yield;
   capitulate;
   give up.

v.t. 

4. to make cowardly.

• Vulgar Latin *crepantāre), influenced by Middle English creaunt defeated (see recreant)
• Old French craventé, past participle of cravanter to crush, overwhelm (
• Middle English cravant, cravaunde defeated 1175–1225

cra′ven•ly, adv. 
cra′ven•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. dastardly, fearful, timorous.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

craven / ˈkreɪv^ən/ adjective

1. cowardly; mean-spirited

noun

1. a coward

Etymology: 13th Century cravant, probably from Old French crevant bursting, from crever to burst, die, from Latin crepāre to burst, crack

ˈcravenly adverb

ˈcravenness noun