Shrink definition
To become or seem to become smaller, more compact, etc.; contract, as from heat, cold, moisture, etc.
verb
To hold back, as from taking action; hesitate or recoil.
To shrink from doing one's duty.
verb
To cause to shrink or contract; specif., to cause (fabric) to shrink by a special process in manufacturing so as to minimize later shrinkage.
verb
Shrink is defined as to become less, reduce or make smaller.
An example of to shrink is steaming a pot full of fresh spinach which, after steaming, will become a significantly reduced amount.
An example of to shrink is someone losing a lot of weight.
verb
To show reluctance; hesitate.
We should not shrink from making such a sacrifice.
verb
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The act of shrinking.
noun
To become or appear to become smaller.
The shadows shrank as the sun rose higher. The mountains shrank in the distance as we drove away.
verb
To become smaller from exposure to heat, moisture, or cold.
The sweater shrank in the wash.
verb
To cause to shrink.
The treatment shrank the tumor.
verb
(slang) A psychotherapist.
noun
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The degree to which something shrinks; shrinkage.
noun
A shrinking; shrinkage.
noun
(slang) A clinical psychiatrist or psychologist.
noun
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To draw back; to withdraw.
verb
(intransitive, figuratively) To withdraw or retire, as from danger.
verb
Yet almost wish, with sudden shrink, / That I had less to praise. "” Leigh Hunt.
noun
You need to see a shrink.
My shrink said that he was an enabler, bad for me.
noun
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To move back or away, especially in fear.
verb
To lessen, as in amount, worth, etc.
verb
To draw back; turn away; cower, as from fear.
verb
To become reduced in amount or value; dwindle.
His savings quickly shrank. The market for that product has been shrinking.
verb
Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
shrink
Plural:
shrinksOrigin of shrink
- Middle English shrinken to wither, shrivel up from Old English scrincan sker-2 in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- Cognate with Dutch schrinken (“to shrink").
From Wiktionary