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Meaning of quailed
The primary meaning of the word "quailed" is to feel or show fear, or to lose courage.
Etymology of quailed
The word "quailed" has its origins in the Old English word "cwelan" or "cwellan", which means to kill or to slay, but also has connotations of feeling fear or being overwhelmed
The word's meaning has evolved over time to primarily convey a sense of fear or loss of courage
Synonyms
faltered
hesitated
recoiled
shrank
shrunk
flinched
cowered
cringed
trembled
trembled with fear
lost courage
lost heart
became fearful
became timid
became faint
became weak
became nervous
became anxious
felt apprehensive
felt intimidated
felt uneasy
felt afraid
felt scared
felt terrified
felt frightened
felt dismayed
felt disheartened
felt discouraged
Definitions
- To feel or show fear, or to lose courage
- * To become weak or nervous, especially because of fear or anxiety
Usage Examples
- The hikers quailed at the sight of the steep cliff
- * She quailed at the thought of public speaking
- * The team quailed under the pressure of the championship game
Antonyms
bravely faced
courageously confronted
boldly challenged
fearlessly approached
confidently tackled
calmly handled
steadily withstood
firmly resisted
strongly opposed
boldly defied
daringly ventured
audaciously attempted
valiantly fought
gallantly struggled
heroically endured
unflinchingly stood
unwaveringly stayed
unshakeably remained
undauntedly proceeded