frown on
Definition
Verb: - To regard or express disapproval of something or someone; to view an action, behavior, or idea with disfavor or criticism.
Usage
The phrasal verb "frown on" is used to indicate social or personal disapproval. It is typically followed by the object of disapproval (a noun, pronoun, or gerund). It describes a judgmental attitude rather than a literal facial expression.
Examples
- Verb:
- The company frowns on employees using social media during work hours.
- Many traditional societies frown on that kind of behavior.
- My parents always frowned on us staying out too late.
Advanced Usage
- "to frown upon": This is a common variant with identical meaning and usage.
- The school frowns upon students wearing casual clothes to formal events.
- The disapproval is often implied by social norms, rules, or personal principles. The subject is usually an authority, institution, or social group.
Variants and Related Words
- Disapprove of (verb phrase): To have an unfavorable opinion of. This is a close synonym but is more direct and formal.
- Look askance at (idiom): To view with suspicion or disapproval.
Synonyms
- Disapprove of
- Discourage
- Take a dim view of (idiom)
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Look down on: To regard someone or something as inferior. This implies contempt or a sense of superiority, whereas "frown on" implies moral or social disapproval.
- She looks down on people who didn't go to college. (Contempt)
- The community frowns on loud parties. (Disapproval)
Related Idioms
- Not take kindly to: To be displeased or annoyed by something.
- The manager does not take kindly to repeated lateness.
Verb
-
look disapprovingly upon
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