countenance

About 3.91 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun Appearance, especially the features and expression of the face.
2. noun Favour; support; encouragement.
3. noun Superficial appearance; show; pretense.
4. noun Calm facial expression, composure, self-control.
5. verb To tolerate, support, sanction, patronise or approve of something.

   The cruel punishment was countenanced by the government, although it was not officially legal.

Similar words

visage smiler let kisser mug permit allow endorsement imprimatur physiognomy

Often followed by

of and was to the is that in as

Word family

countenanced countenancer countenancers countenances countenancing