Countenance (verb)
Pronunciation: ['kæwn-tê-nêns]
Definition: Tolerate; sanction (positively), put up with, favor.
Usage: It is odd that the verb "countenance" means "tolerate" while the noun means "expression on the face." However, at one time "to keep one's countenance" meant to remain normal or neutral in behavior, not to show any emotional response. So both terms originally referred to the control of behavior (as expressed by the face), then the verb's meaning developed into remaining neutral and from there, by a short hop, to showing toleration or favor. Even the noun "countenance" when used alone implies a positive expression on the face. There is a negative verb, discountenance "to disfavor, not tolerate."
Suggested Usage: It would seem that most of the world has decided that we should no longer countenance terrorism. Let us hope acts of terrorism and the factors motivating them may be obviated. But here is a word that works as well around the kitchen as in the halls of government, "Talking back to parents will no longer be countenanced in this house!" No doubt we could all countenance more respect inside and outside the kitchen.
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