Quick answer
Poltroon means a coward, especially one viewed with contempt.
Word page
Poltroon Meaning
A poltroon is a cowardly or contemptible person. It is much more dramatic than “coward,” with a strong whiff of old duels, moral outrage, and theatrical disgust.
At a glance
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How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, poltroon is a severe old insult for someone who lacks courage. It does not merely describe fear; it condemns the person for cowardice.
Example sentences
- Simple: The general called the deserter a poltroon.
- Everyday: In modern speech, coward is clearer than poltroon.
- Writing: The villain sneered, but the scene revealed him as a poltroon.
- Nuance: Poltroon adds contempt to the idea of cowardice.
- Awkward: “I was a poltroon about trying spinach.” Better: “I was hesitant,” unless you want comic exaggeration.
Tone, context, and nuance
Poltroon is stronger and more literary than coward. It is not a clinical description of fear; it is a judgmental insult. Use it when the dramatic contempt is intentional.
Common mistakes
- Do not use poltroon for ordinary nervousness.
- Do not confuse it with a neutral word for fear; it is insulting.
- Do not expect it to sound casual or modern.
- Do not overuse it where coward would be clearer.
Synonyms and similar words
| Similar word | Difference |
|---|---|
| coward | The plain modern equivalent. |
| caitiff | Archaic and contemptuous, broader than cowardice. |
| craven | Often an adjective meaning cowardly and contemptible. |
| wretch | More about misery or contempt than fear. |
| reprobate | More about moral badness than cowardice. |
Opposite words
| Opposite | Nuance |
|---|---|
| hero | A strong narrative opposite. |
| brave person | The direct moral contrast. |
| champion | A person who stands up for something. |
| stalwart | Loyal, brave, and dependable. |
Word family
Poltroon is mainly a noun. Poltroonery and poltroonish exist but are rare and literary.
Word origin
Poltroon entered English through French and Italian forms connected with cowardice and worthlessness. In modern use, it survives mostly as a literary insult.
Writing tip
Use poltroon when the dramatic old-world insult is the point. If you need quick modern clarity, coward will usually land faster.
Common questions
- What does poltroon mean in simple words? Poltroon means a cowardly or contemptible person.
- How do you pronounce poltroon? Poltroon is pronounced pohl-TROON.
- Is poltroon stronger than coward? Usually yes. It adds contempt and old-fashioned dramatic force.
- Is poltroon still used today? It is rare today and mainly appears in literary, historical, or deliberately dramatic contexts.
- What is another word for poltroon? Related choices include coward, caitiff, craven, wretch, and reprobate.
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Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 14, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.