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cringe definition

cringe (krinj)

intransitive verb cringed, cringing cring′·ing

  1. to draw back, bend, crouch, etc., as when afraid; shrink from something dangerous or painful
  2. to act in a timid, servile manner; fawn

Etymology: ME crengen (with nasalized vowel as in hinge), caus. < OE cringan, to fall (in battle): for IE base see cradle

noun

the act of cringing

Related Forms:

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