Shrink

/ˈʃɹɪŋk/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To cause to become smaller..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To cause to become smaller.
2. (intransitive) To become smaller; to contract.
3. (intransitive) To cower or flinch.
4. (transitive) To draw back; to withdraw.
5. (intransitive, figuratively) To withdraw or retire, as from danger.
6. (intransitive) To move back or away, especially because of fear or disgust.
7. Shrinkage; contraction; recoil.
8. (slang, sometimes derogatory) A psychiatrist or psychotherapist.

Example Sentences

The dryer shrank my sweater.

The bottom line is this: To shrink your gut, you need to start listening to it.

This garment will shrink when wet.

I have not found that water, by mixture of ashes, will shrink or draw into less room.

And shrink like parchment in consuming fire.

Since 1982, it has shrunk by 250 meters.

When they took over the 1000 'Flying Scotsman' from May 1979, the journey from London to Edinburgh shrank to just 4hrs 37mins - including a stop at Newcastle.

Molly shrank away from the blows of the whip.

Synonyms for shrink

Antonyms for shrink

Related Words

Word Forms

• shrinks
• shrinking
• shrank
• shrunk
• shrunken

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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