Squirm
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /skwɜːm/ · Part of speech verb
Quick meaning: Squirm is a verb meaning (intransitive) To twist one's body with snakelike motions.
Meaning
(intransitive) To twist one's body with snakelike motions.
More Meanings
- (intransitive) To twist in discomfort, especially from shame or embarrassment.
- To evade a question, an interviewer etc.
- A twisting, snakelike movement of the body.
Example Sentences
The prisoner managed to squirm out of the straitjacket.
I recounted the embarrassing story in detail just to watch him squirm.
MARIGOLD: Should I tell them I know? DORA: Nah, let ’em squirm. Let’s go get some pie.
"Throw it away, dear, do," she said, as they got into the road; but Jacob squirmed away from her […]
Word Forms
- squirms
- squirming
- squirmed
Synonyms for squirm
Depending on context, synonyms include writhe, wriggle, fidget, twist, wrestle, wiggle.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include wriggle, wiggle, writhe, twist, wrestle, worm.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.