cocked

The cat cocked its head curiously at the butterfly.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Bent or turned upward at an angle: "cocked" describes something that is angled or raised, often referring to a part of the body or an object positioned in a tilted or alert manner.
   • In a state of readiness (for firing): In firearms, "cocked" refers to the position of the hammer or striker when it is pulled back and ready to discharge.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The dog's ears were cocked, listening for any sound. (The ears were turned upward and alert.)
  • He wore his hat cocked to one side for a jaunty look. (The hat was tilted at an angle.)
  • The gun was cocked and ready to fire. (The hammer was pulled back, making the weapon prepared to shoot.)

Advanced Usage

• "Cocked hat": a hat with the brim turned up in two or three places, especially a bicorne or tricorne.

  • The officer wore a cocked hat as part of his uniform. (A formal hat with upturned brims.)

• "Cocked eyebrow": an expression of surprise, skepticism, or interest, where one eyebrow is raised.

  • She raised a cocked eyebrow at his outrageous claim. (She showed disbelief with a raised eyebrow.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cock (verb): to tilt or turn upward; to set a firearm's hammer in firing position.

  • He cocked his head to hear better. (He tilted his head.)
  • She cocked the rifle before aiming. (She pulled back the hammer.)

• Cocking (adjective): relating to the action of raising or tilting something.

  • The cocking mechanism of the gun was smooth. (The part that pulls back the hammer.)

Synonyms

• Tilted: inclined at an angle.
• Raised: lifted upward.
• Primed (for firearms): prepared for action.

Related Idioms

• Cocked and ready: fully prepared to act or respond.

  • The team was cocked and ready for the competition. (They were fully prepared and alert.)

• Go off half-cocked: to act prematurely or without proper preparation.

  • His plan went off half-cocked because he didn't check the details. (He acted too hastily.)