I. ˈfrau̇n verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English frounen, from Middle French froigner, frogner to snort, turn up one's nose, frown, of Celtic origin; akin to Middle Breton froan nostril, Welsh ffroen nostril, Old Irish srōn nose
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to contract the brow (as in displeasure, sternness, or concentration) : put on a stern, grim, or surly look : scowl
she looked away, frowning — Richard Llewellyn
he frowned in astonishment — Louis Auchincloss
b. : to present a somber or menacing appearance — used of inanimate objects
grim gray towers … frown down upon this dignified old town — American Guide Series: Texas
2.
a. : to give evidence of displeasure or disapproval by facial expression — used chiefly with at
his neighbors frowned at him with impatience — Margaret Deland
b. : to give evidence of displeasure or disapproval by other means — used chiefly with on or upon
his religion frowns upon smoking, drinking, and modern faddism — Current Biography
society frowns on such deviations from good taste
transitive verb
: to show displeasure with or disapproval of by facial expression or other means
I will be neither frowned not ridiculed into error — Noah Webster
II. noun
( -s )
1. : a wrinkling of the brow (as in displeasure or concentration) : a severe, reproving, or stern look : scowl
looked about him with a frown
2. : an expression of displeasure
the book received critical frowns