First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1shrink
verb \ˈshriŋk, especially Southern ˈsriŋk\
: to become smaller in amount, size, or value
: to make (something) smaller in amount, size, or value
: to quickly move away from something shocking, frightening, or disgusting
shrank \ˈshraŋk, ˈsraŋk\ or shrunk \ˈshrəŋk, ˈsrəŋk\ shrunk or shrunk·en \ˈshrəŋ-kən, ˈsrəŋ-\ shrink·ing
Full Definition of SHRINK
intransitive verb
2
a : to contract to less extent or compass b : to become smaller or more compacted c : to lose substance or weight d : to lessen in value : dwindle
3
a : to recoil instinctively (as from something painful or horrible) <shrank from the challenge> b : to hold oneself back : refrain <did not shrink from telling the truth>
transitive verb
: to cause to contract or shrink; specifically : to compact (cloth) by causing to contract when subjected to washing, boiling, steaming, or other processes
— shrink·able \ˈshriŋ-kə-bəl, ˈsriŋ-\ adjective
— shrink·er noun
See shrink defined for English-language learners
See shrink defined for kids
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Origin of SHRINK
Middle English, from Old English scrincan; akin to Middle Dutch schrinken to draw back
Related to SHRINK
Synonym Discussion of SHRINK
contract, shrink, condense, compress, constrict, deflate mean to decrease in bulk or volume. contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length <caused her muscles to contract>. shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions <the sweater will shrink when washed>. condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content <condense the essay into a paragraph>. compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance <compressed cotton into bales>. constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter <the throat is constricted by a tight collar>. deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas <deflate the balloon>.
recoil, shrink, flinch, wince, blench, quail mean to draw back in fear or distaste. recoil implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust <recoiled at the suggestion of stealing>. shrink suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice <shrank from the unpleasant truth>. flinch implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution <faced her accusers without flinching>. wince suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction (as a start or recoiling) <winced in pain>. blench implies fainthearted flinching <stood their ground without blenching>. quail suggests shrinking and cowering in fear <quailed before the apparition>.
recoil, shrink, flinch, wince, blench, quail mean to draw back in fear or distaste. recoil implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust <recoiled at the suggestion of stealing>. shrink suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice <shrank from the unpleasant truth>. flinch implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution <faced her accusers without flinching>. wince suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction (as a start or recoiling) <winced in pain>. blench implies fainthearted flinching <stood their ground without blenching>. quail suggests shrinking and cowering in fear <quailed before the apparition>.
2shrink
noun
: a psychiatrist or psychologist
Full Definition of SHRINK
1
: the act of shrinking
2
3
[short for headshrinker] : a clinical psychiatrist or psychologist
See shrink defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SHRINK
1590
SHRINK Defined for Kids
shrink
verb \ˈshriŋk\
shrank \ˈshraŋk\ or shrunk \ˈshrəŋk\shrunk or shrunk·en \ˈshrəŋ-kən\shrink·ing
Definition of SHRINK for Kids
1
: to make or become smaller <The sweater shrank when it got wet.>
2
: to curl up or move back in or as if in fear or pain <Just the thought of all this made Tom shrink back uncomfortably in his chair. — Andrew Clements, Frindle>
3
: to refrain from doing something especially because of difficulty or unpleasantness <He did not shrink from telling the truth.>
Medical Dictionary
shrink
noun \ˈshriŋk\
Medical Definition of SHRINK
: a clinical psychiatrist or psychologist—called also headshrinker
Learn More About SHRINK
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