cow

/kau/

Friendly

Word: Cow

Part of Speech: Noun and Verb

Basic Definition:

1. As a Noun:

   • A cow is a large, domesticated animal that is commonly found on farms. It is a female of the species called cattle. The male is called a bull.
   • Cows are often raised for their milk, meat, and leather. They are known for making a sound called "moo."

2. As a Verb:

   • To cow someone means to frighten or intimidate them, often by using threats or showing power.

Usage Instructions:

• When using "cow" as a noun, you can refer to the animal in everyday conversation about farming or animals.
• When using "cow" as a verb, it is often used in contexts where someone is being pressured or scared into doing something.

Examples:

• Noun: "The farmer has a big cow that gives a lot of milk."
• Verb: "The bully tried to cow the other kids into giving him their lunch money."

Advanced Usage:

• In some contexts, especially in literature or more formal speech, "cow" can refer to someone who is very large and unpleasant, but this usage is less common and can be seen as disrespectful.

Word Variants:

• Cattle: This is a general term for both male and female cows. It refers to a group of cows and bulls.
• Cowher: A person who cowers or is easily frightened.

Different Meanings:

• The word "cow" can also be used in a more figurative sense in literature or conversation to describe someone who is dominating or intimidating others, particularly in a workplace or social context.

Synonyms:

• For the animal:

  • Heifer (young female cow)
  • Bovine (relating to cows)

• For the verb:

  • Intimidate
  • Frighten
  • Bully

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "To cow someone into submission" means to intimidate someone until they agree to something.
• There are not many common idioms specifically with the word "cow," but phrases involving "cow" can sometimes be playful or refer to the animal's characteristics, like "cash cow," which refers to something that brings in a lot of money with little effort.

Summary:

The word "cow" has both a straightforward meaning related to an animal and a more complex meaning related to fear and intimidation.

Academic

Noun

1. a large unpleasant woman
2. mature female of mammals of which the male is called `bull'
3. female of domestic cattle: "`moo-cow' is a child's term"

Verb

1. subdue, restrain, or overcome by affecting with a feeling of awe; frighten (as with threats)

Synonyms

• moo-cow
• overawe