poltroon
/pɔl'tru:n/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- An abject coward; a person who shows a shameful lack of courage or bravery. A "poltroon" is someone who is contemptibly cowardly, often to the point of being despicable or dishonorable.
Adjective (archaic):
- Characterized by complete cowardliness; utterly cowardly. This adjectival use is now rare and considered old-fashioned.
Usage and Examples
Noun:
- The general called the deserters a bunch of poltroons who betrayed their comrades.
- In the story, the villain was not a fierce warrior but a sneaking poltroon who used trickery.
Adjective (archaic):
- His poltroon behavior in the face of danger shocked his family. (This usage is uncommon in modern English.)
Advanced Usage and Notes
- Register and Connotation: "Poltroon" is a formal, literary, and somewhat archaic word. It carries a strong connotation of contempt and moral judgment. It is not used in casual conversation but might be found in historical texts, literature, or formal accusations.
- Context: It is typically used to describe a profound and disgraceful lack of courage, often in a context where bravery was expected (e.g., in battle, in defending a principle).
Variants and Related Words
- Poltroonery (noun): The characteristic or behavior of a poltroon; utter cowardice.
- His poltroonery was recorded for all to see in the official report.
Synonyms
- Coward: (The most common and neutral synonym) A person who lacks courage.
- Craven: A contemptible coward. (Similar in strength to "poltroon").
- Dastard (archaic): A malicious coward.
- Recreant (archaic): A coward who deserts a cause.
- Yellow-belly (slang): A coward.
Antonyms
- Hero
- Brave
- Courageous person
- Valiant
Idioms and Phrases
- While there are no common idioms using the exact word "poltroon," the concept is related to phrases like:
- To show a yellow streak: To act in a cowardly way.
- To have a backbone of jelly: To be very cowardly.
Adjective
- characterized by complete cowardliness
Noun
- an abject coward