hunker down

[huhng-ker doun] / ˈhʌŋ kər ˈdaʊn /

VERB

squat down

Synonyms

WEAK

crouch get down hunch hunch down hunker scrunch squat

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Local authorities advised residents to hunker down, with rain forecast for the next day and a half.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Determined to survive, Iran might initially hunker down or seek to draw out any conflict.

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

Epstein replied, “Nothing to do during a storm, but hunker down, and wait until it blows over.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

"We just want to hunker down, close the curtains, and stay inside," she said.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

Men hunker down outside to eat and talk.

From "Without Refuge" by Jane Mitchell