The word “cower” is often used in literature to convey a physical and emotional retreat in the face of overwhelming fear, shame, or awe. Writers employ it to describe not only characters who shrink back in terror from violence or horror—as when someone recoils at the sight of blood [1] or trembles before a dominating presence [2]—but also to illustrate broader themes of subjugation and vulnerability, such as nations or ideals bowing under pressure [3] and even abstract forces like guilt or moral weakness [4]. At times, it extends to evocative portrayals where surroundings or inanimate elements seem to shrink away, enhancing the atmosphere of foreboding [5]. In this manner, “cower” serves as a powerful metaphor across genres, deepening both the physicality and the inner emotional landscapes of characters.