CHICKENHEARTED Meaning and
Definition
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Chickenhearted is an adjective that describes someone who lacks courage, bravery, or resilience. It characterizes a person who is easily frightened, timid, or fearful in the face of challenging or dangerous situations. It implies a sense of weakness and vulnerability, as well as an aversion to taking risks or standing up for oneself.
A chickenhearted individual tends to avoid confrontations or difficult decisions, preferring to retreat or remain passive rather than face their fears. This term often suggests a lack of self-confidence or a tendency to succumb to anxiety or panic in stressful circumstances. It denotes a person who is easily intimidated, shy, or lacking in determination, as they shy away from facing obstacles or asserting their opinions.
The origin of "chickenhearted" is related to the common cultural association of chickens with fear or cowardice. When used as a metaphor, it implies that an individual possesses the same traits typically associated with chickens, such as timidity or a tendency to flee danger.
In summary, the term chickenhearted refers to someone who is easily frightened, lacks courage, and avoids difficult situations due to fear or anxiety. It conveys a lack of bravery and resilience, suggesting a propensity to shrink away from challenges rather than facing them head-on.
Common Misspellings for CHICKENHEARTED
Etymology of CHICKENHEARTED
The word "chickenhearted" is a compound word composed of two elements: "chicken" and "hearted".
The term "chicken" is derived from the Old English word "cicen", which referred to the domestic fowl. The Old English term was of Germanic origin, related to the Middle Low German word "kieken" and the Dutch word "kiken", meaning "to peep" or "to cackle". Over time, "chicken" started to be used metaphorically to describe a person who was timid, fearful, or lacking in courage.
The suffix "-hearted" is straightforward, adding the sense of having a particular type of heart or disposition. It is derived from the Old English word "heorte", meaning "heart".
Idioms with the word CHICKENHEARTED
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chickenhearted
The idiom "chickenhearted" refers to someone who is easily frightened, timid, or lacking courage. It is used to describe a person who is hesitant or afraid to take risks or face challenging situations.
Similar spelling words for CHICKENHEARTED
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