hunker
UK: ˈhʌŋkə | US: ˈhʌŋkər
vi. to squat or crouch down low
vi. to settle in or persist stubbornly (often followed by "down")
n. (rare) a squatting posture
The word "hunker" originates from Scots dialect, where "hunk" referred to the haunches or protrusions of the body (akin to "haunch" in English). The "-er" suffix denotes an agent or action, giving the sense of "sitting on one's haunches." Over time, it evolved to describe both the physical act of squatting and the metaphorical idea of digging in or persisting stubbornly (e.g., "hunker down"). Its vivid imagery of crouching low likely contributed to its adoption into broader English usage.
The cat hunkered behind the bushes, waiting to pounce.
During the storm, we hunkered down in the basement.
Protesters hunkered on the sidewalk, refusing to move.
He hunkered over his desk, focused on his work.
The soldiers hunkered in the trenches for safety.