intransitive verb shrank or shrunk, shrunk or shrunken shrunk′en, shrinking shrink′·ing

1. to become or seem to become smaller, more compact, etc.; contract, as from heat, cold, moisture, etc.
2. to lessen, as in amount, worth, etc.
3. to draw back; turn away; cower, as from fear
4. 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

1. a shrinking; shrinkage
2. ☆

   Etymology: < (head)shrink(er)

   Slang a psychiatrist