countenance

Plural: countenances

Noun

• the appearance conveyed by a person's face
  • "a pleasant countenance"
• formal and explicit approval
• the human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal terms for `face' and `phiz' is British)
• Appearance, especially the features and expression of the face.
• Favour; support; encouragement.
• Superficial appearance; show; pretense.
• Calm facial expression, composure, self-control.

Verb

• consent to, give permission
• To tolerate, support, sanction, patronise or approve of something.

Examples

• I won't countenance other than compunctious semblances for such a grievous blunder.
• The cruel punishment was countenanced by the government, although it was not officially legal.

Synonyms

allow, endorsement, imprimatur, indorsement, kisser, let, mug, permit, phiz, physiognomy, sanction, smiler, visage, warrant, George Best, approve, boat, chevy chase, complexion, countenance, dial, ecaf, eek, face, favor, look, map, mush, pan, phizog, punim, support, tolerate

Antonyms

disallow, forbid

Related Words

beautiful, body language, demeanor, figure, handsome, homely, mask, plain, pretty, two-faced, ugly