shrink
shrink (s̸hriŋk)
intransitive verb shrank or shrunk, shrunk or shrunken shrunk′en, shrinking shrink′·ing
- to become or seem to become smaller, more compact, etc.; contract, as from heat, cold, moisture, etc.
- to lessen, as in amount, worth, etc.
- to draw back; turn away; cower, as from fear
- to hold back, as from taking action; hesitate or recoil to shrink from doing one's duty
Etymology: ME schrynken < OE scrincan, akin to Swed skrynka, to wrinkle < IE *(s)kreng- < base *(s)ker-, to bend, turn > shrimp, Gr kirkos, a ring, L curvus, curved
transitive verb
noun
- a shrinking; shrinkage
- ☆
Etymology: < (head)shrink(er)
Slang a psychiatrist
Related Forms:
- shrinkable shrink′·able adjective
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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