scowl

A scowl is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a furrowed, angry or bad-tempered expression on the face; as a verb, it means to make such an expression.

The typical scowl features a lowered or knit brow, drawn-together eyebrows, and the corners of the mouth turned downward. The eyes may glare or narrow. The expression can accompany anger, disapproval, annoyance, or intense concentration, and may be brief or linger.

In usage, scowling communicates mood without words. In narrative contexts, a character's scowl signals hostility or stubborn resistance. It can also be a deliberate pose in photography or performance to convey mood.

Etymology: The origin of the term scowl is uncertain; it appears in English in the early modern period. Related terms include frown, glower, and grimace, which describe similar facial expressions with nuances in intensity and intention.

In modern usage, scowl is a common descriptor in everyday speech and writing, often used to describe a visible displeasure or to signal a temperamental disposition. It is usually more intense than a simple frown and less dramatic than a glare or glower.