I. ˈfrau̇n verb
Etymology: Middle English frounen, from Middle French frogner to snort, frown, of Celtic origin; akin to Welsh ffroen nostril, Old Irish srón nose
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1. : to contract the brow in displeasure or concentration
2. : to give evidence of displeasure or disapproval by or as if by facial expression
critics frown on the idea
transitive verb
: to show displeasure with or disapproval of especially by facial expression
• frown·er noun
• frown·ing·ly ˈfrau̇-niŋ-lē adverb
II. noun
Date: 1581
1. : an expression of displeasure
2. : a wrinkling of the brow in displeasure or concentration