n.
Pronunciation: ' fo ̇ n, ' fän
Function: intransitive verb
Etymology: Middle English faunen, from Old English fagnian to rejoice, from fægen, fagan glad ― more at FAIN
Date: 13th century
1 : to show affection ― used especially of a dog
2 : to court favor by a cringing or flattering manner
– fawn · er noun
– fawn · ing · ly \ ' fo ̇ -ni ŋ -l ē , ' fä- \ adverb
synonyms FAWN , TOADY , TRUCKLE , CRINGE , COWER mean to behave abjectly before a superior. FAWN implies seeking favor by servile flattery or exaggerated attention <waiters fawning over a celebrity>. TOADY suggests the attempt to ingratiate oneself by an abjectly menial or subservient attitude < toadying to his boss>. TRUCKLE implies the subordination of oneself and one's desires or judgment to those of a superior < truckling to a powerful lobbyist>. CRINGE suggests a bowing or shrinking in fear or servility <a cringing sycophant>. COWER suggests a display of abject fear in the company of threatening or domineering people < cowering before a bully>.