fawn

/fɔn/

/fɔn/

Other forms: fawning; fawns; fawned

A fawn is a young deer, but it's also a verb meaning to try and win favor by flattering. You might fawn over Bambi if you want to hang out with the cute and fuzzy gang.

As a verb, fawn either refers to an attempt to get on someone’s good side, or, oddly enough, to give birth to a deer. If you're a human, fawning is an age-old art that might get you what you want but can be very unattractive. If you ever come into possession of a great fortune, watch out for sudden friends who want to fawn over you and shower you with presents. They probably have dollar signs in their eyes.

Definitions of fawn

1. noun

   a young deer
   type of:

   young mammal

   any immature mammal

   cervid, deer

   distinguished from Bovidae by the male's having solid deciduous antlers
2. verb

   have fawns
   “deer fawn”

   type of:

   bear, birth, deliver, give birth, have

   cause to be born
3. verb

   try to gain favor by cringing or flattering
   synonyms: bootlick, kotow, kowtow, suck up, toady, truckle

   types:

   court favor, court favour, curry favor, curry favour

   seek favor by fawning or flattery

   type of:

   blandish, flatter

   praise somewhat dishonestly
4. verb

   show submission or fear
   synonyms: cower, crawl, creep, cringe, grovel

   type of:

   bend, flex

   form a curve
5. noun

   a color or pigment varying around a light grey-brown color
   synonyms: dun, grayish brown, greyish brown

   type of:

   light brown

   a brown that is light but unsaturated