countenance meaning and definition

COUNTENANCE noun

Definition of countenance (noun)

1. the appearance conveyed by a person's face
   • "a pleasant countenance"; "a stern visage"
   • synonyms: visage
2. formal and explicit approval
   • "a Democrat usually gets the union's endorsement"
   • synonyms: endorsement, imprimatur, indorsement, sanction, warrant
3. the human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal terms for `face' and `phiz' is British)
   • synonyms: kisser, mug, phiz, physiognomy, smiler, visage

COUNTENANCE verb

Definition of countenance (verb)

1. consent to, give permission
   • "She permitted her son to visit her estranged husband"; "I won't let the police search her basement"; "I cannot allow you to see your exam"
   • synonyms: allow, let, permit
   • antonym: disallow