Past tense of 'cow'; intimidated, frightened, or subdued someone, making them submissive or afraid.
From the verb 'cow' (possibly from Scandinavian 'kúga' meaning to oppress, or from the noun referring to cattle). As a verb, it developed the meaning of intimidating or dominating.
The verb 'cow' meaning to intimidate is probably not related to the animal cow, but comes from Scandinavian roots—yet the connection makes perfect sense: cattle are easily intimidated!
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