蹙额
frown; urgent; shrink
Meanings
3 senses · 8 examplesverb
to frown; to knit one's brows
literaryA classical/literary term. The phrase '疾首蹙额' (jí shǒu cù é) is a common idiom meaning 'to knit the brows in disgust'.
He frowned in disgust at the vulgar joke.
Hearing this news, he involuntarily knitted his brows.
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In novels, 'frowning eyebrows' is often used to describe the look of a beauty in sorrow.
verb
to be pressing/urgent; to be in distress
literaryAlso a classical/literary usage, describing a difficult or tight situation.
The nation's power is declining day by day (under increasing pressure).
The situation is urgent, and his brow furrowed even tighter.
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One's livelihood is becoming increasingly difficult.
verb
to shrink; to contract
literaryA classical usage, describing the physical contraction of space or territory.
The enemy invaded, and the nation's territory shrank.
Due to a shortage of funds, the company's business scope had to contract.