countenancing Definition

countenance
noun

1. Face; expression or appearance.

Thesaurus: appearance, aspect, demeanour, mien, expression, look, air, face, features, physiognomy, visage.
2. Support; patronage.

Thesaurus: approval, sanction, encouragement, assistance, favour.

verb countenanced, countenancing

1. To support or tolerate.

Thesaurus: endorse, sanction, approve, condone, tolerate, endure, support, encourage, champion, abet, back.

Idiom: give countenance to something

To support it, eg a proposal, etc.

Idiom: keep one's countenance

To remain composed, manage not to laugh, etc.

Etymology: 13c: from French contenance, from Latin continentia self-control.