Faint-hearted - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT faint-hearted /ˌfeɪnt ˌˈhɑrdəd/ IPA guide

Someone who's faint-hearted is fearful or frightened. If a haunted house advertises itself as "not for the faint-hearted," it's probably really scary.

If you're generally faint-hearted, you tend to be a little timid or anxious, easily scared or overwhelmed. A faint-hearted person might choose not to go on the steepest roller coaster or watch the scariest horror films. Faint-hearted was first used in the fifteenth century, and it combines the original meaning of faint, "lacking in courage," with hearted, or "at heart."

Definitions of faint-hearted

adjective lacking conviction or boldness or courage synonyms: faint, fainthearted, timid cowardly, fearful lacking courage; ignobly timid and faint-hearted

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘faint-hearted'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing faint-hearted

The Wind in the Willows Kenneth Grahame

Kenneth Grahame's classic novel recounts the adventures of four woodland friends: Mole, Rat, Badger, and the irrepressible Mr. Toad. Read the full text here.

Titus Andronicus William Shakespeare

After a Roman general captures a queen and kills her son, she embarks on a violent quest for revenge.

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