cowering
verb (present participle)UK /ˈkaʊ.ər.ɪŋ/
US /ˈkaʊ.ɚ.ɪŋ/
Bending down low because you are scared.
The little dog was cowering under the table during the thunderstorm.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Showing fear by making yourself small and still.
He stood cowering in the corner as the loud noise continued.
3. Acting in a way that shows you are afraid of someone in power.
The workers were cowering before the strict manager.
4. Drooping or bending low, as if afraid.
The plants were cowering under the heavy rain.