hunker

4 definitions • 5 examples

to sit down on your heels:

We hunkered down around the campfire, toasting marshmallows.

to make yourself comfortable in a place or situation, or to prepare to stay in a place or position for a long time, usually in order to achieve something or for protection:

The press have hunkered down for the night outside the palace, waiting for news of the royal birth.

to sit with your knees bent in front of you so that your buttocks are almost resting on your heels:

We hunkered down near the campfire.

To hunker down is also to be prepared to stay in a particular place or situation for as long as necessary, esp. for protection or to achieve something:

We hunkered down in the cellar while the storm raged outside.

Members of Congress were hunkered down for weeks of debate on the health-care issue.