frown on
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To disapprove of (something or someone, often a behavior); to express disapproval of (something or someone).
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Coach frowns on smoking, even in the off-season.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “frown on” mean?
To disapprove of (something or someone, often a behavior); to express disapproval of (something or someone).
Is “frown on” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.