Crouch

/kraʊtʃ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To bend down and forward, especially with the knees and back, to avoid being seen or to prepare to jump.

The cat crouched low in the grass, ready to pounce on its prey.

To lower the body stance, usually in a defensive or submissive posture.

He crouched in fear as the loud noise echoed through the hallway.

To stoop or bend down.

She crouched to pick up the fallen book from the floor.

Middle English 'crouchen' from Old French 'crochir', meaning to bend or stoop.

crouch down

To lower oneself by bending the knees.

crouch over

To lean forward while bending the knees.

squat

To crouch down in a sitting position with the knees bent.

stoop

To bend one's body forward and downward.

To get low quickly.

When the music drops, everyone crouches.

To prepare for a sudden action.

The athlete crouched before the race.