cower

verb5

1. •
   To crouch or cringe, or to avoid or shy away from something, in fear.

   • He'd be useless in war. He'd just cower in his bunker until the enemy came in and shot him, or until the war was over.
2. •
   To cause to cower; to frighten into submission.

   • My spirit will cower them and make them wish they had never risen up against me. — 2007
3. •
   (figurative) To be a coward; to hide away or refuse to face opposition due to fear.
4. •
   (no longer used) To crouch in general.

   • Some sterner virtues o’er the mountain’s breast May sit, like falcons, cowering on the nest — 1764
5. •
   (no longer used) To cherish with care.