Fawn
/fɔːn/
A fawn is a young deer, and as a verb it means to show excessive affection or flattery.
Examples
- They warned him not to fawn excessively.
- He fawned over the boss during the meeting.
- The puppy fawned on its owner for treats.
- Photographers love capturing a fawn at sunrise.
- The politician was accused of constantly fawning on donors.
Meanings
From Old English fāwan meaning 'young deer', related to German Fohlen.
Examples
- The fawn darted through the forest.
- We spotted a fawn near the meadow.
- The fawn was nursing under its mother.
- Photographers love capturing a fawn at sunrise.
- Children were delighted by the fawn's playful hops.
From Middle English fawnen, from Old English fāwan meaning 'to greet', later developed sense of ingratiating behavior.
Examples
- He fawned over the boss during the meeting.
- The puppy fawned on its owner for treats.
- She stopped fawning and spoke honestly.
- The politician was accused of constantly fawning on donors.
- They warned him not to fawn excessively.