Pronunciation: [kɹˈa͡ʊt͡ʃ] (IPA) 
The word "crouch" is spelled with the letters C-R-O-U-C-H, and is pronounced /kraʊtʃ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The sound at the beginning of the word is represented by the letter C, which makes the "k" sound. The R-O-U and the O-U-C-H both represent the "ow" sound, which is a diphthong made up of the "o" and "u" sounds. The final sound, represented by CH, is the "ch" sound, which is a combination of the "t" and "sh" sounds.
Crouch is a verb that refers to the action of bending and lowering the body close to the ground, usually by bending the knees and drawing the torso forward. It involves assuming a squatting or huddled position in order to make oneself smaller and less visible, often as a response to fear, threat, or the need for concealment. In a physical sense, this posture involves keeping the heels raised and the weight primarily on the balls of the feet, while the knees are flexed.
The act of crouching can serve various purposes. It is commonly employed by animals as a defensive or hunting stance, allowing them to appear less noticeable to potential predators or prey. Humans often utilize this posture when trying to hide or take cover, as well as when they engage in certain sports or activities, such as baseball catchers or sprinters when getting ready to start a race.
Metaphorically, the term "crouch" can also be used to describe a mental or emotional state where someone is adopting a cautious or guarded position, especially in response to a perceived threat or danger. It denotes a state of being ready to defend or protect oneself.
In summary, crouch is a verb that involves bending down and assuming a low squatting position, either physically or metaphorically. It is often done to hide, take cover, or prepare for a physical challenge or psychological defense.
To stoop low; to bend; to act meanly; to fawn or cringe.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "crouch" has an Old English origin. It can be traced back to the Old English word "crūcian", which means "to bend or stoop". This word is also related to the Middle Dutch word "krūken" and the Old Norse word "krúka", both of which carry a similar meaning. Over time, "crūcian" evolved into "crouchen" in Middle English, before finally becoming "crouch" in its modern form.
