Poltroon (Adjective)
Meaning
Characterized by complete cowardliness.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The politician's decision to backtrack on his promise was deemed a poltroon move by his critics, who felt he was more interested in saving his own skin than standing up for what he believed in.
- After refusing to intervene in the bullying, the onlooker was branded a poltroon by his peers, who accused him of being too afraid to take a stand.
- The officer's hesitation to lead the charge was seen as poltroon behavior, and he was subsequently relieved of his command.
- Despite being the aggressor, the harasser turned out to be a poltroon when confronted by his victim's friends, cowering in fear and backing down.
- The company's CEO was accused of poltroon tactics when he laid off employees en masse without warning, rather than facing the difficult task of downsizing in a more humane manner.