quailing
/ˈkweɪlɪŋ/
VERB
1. To shrink back from fear
To become frightened, intimidated, or lose courage; to draw back or show fear when facing something threatening or difficult.
1.1. Physical reaction to fear
Describes instinctively drawing back, trembling, or recoiling when confronted with danger, pain, or something frightening.
Synonyms
- blanching
- blenching
- cowering
- cringing
- flinching
- quaking
- quivering
- recoiling
- shrinking
- shuddering
- trembling
- wincing
Antonyms
Examples
- The children stood quailing as the thunderstorm grew louder.
- He watched the approaching danger without quailing.
- She was quailing at the thought of entering the abandoned building.
Related Words
1.2. Losing courage or confidence
Describes becoming hesitant, discouraged, or less determined when facing pressure, adversity, or an intimidating challenge.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- challenging
- defying
- facing
- confronting
- advancing
Examples
- The young recruit was quailing under the pressure of his first battle.
- She continued speaking without quailing before the hostile audience.
- His resolve remained firm, never quailing in the face of criticism.
Related Words
- discouragement
- uncertainty
- hesitation
- resolve
- determination
- confidence
- perseverance
VERB
2. To waste away or wither
To fade, diminish, or gradually lose strength, vitality, or vigor.
2.1. Declining strength or vitality
An uncommon or archaic use describing something gradually weakening, fading, or losing its vitality.
Synonyms
Examples
- The plant's leaves were quailing under the prolonged drought.
Related Words
VERB
3. To slacken or give way
To become weaker or less firm, especially in reference to courage, faith, determination, or resolve.
3.1. Courage or determination weakening
Describes courage, faith, or determination gradually losing strength or firmness under pressure or adversity.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- persisting
- enduring
- strengthening
- persevering
Examples
- Her faith was not quailing despite the hardships she endured.
Related Words
- courage
- faith
- resolve
- conviction
- determination
- resilience
NOUN
4. The act of shrinking back in fear
The action or state of drawing back, becoming frightened, or showing apprehension.
4.1. An expression of fear
Refers to the act or visible expression of becoming fearful, timid, or intimidated in response to a threat or difficult situation.
Synonyms
- cowering
- cringing
- flinching
- recoiling
- shrinking
- trembling
Antonyms
- bravery
- courage
- defiance
- fearlessness
Examples
- There was no quailing in his expression as he faced the challenge.
Related Words
- fear
- timidity
- apprehension
- intimidation
- cowardice