verb
1.
Synonyms: contract 3, compress, concentrate, condense, constrict
Related Word: shrivel (up), wither
Contrasted words: amplify, expand
Antonyms: swell
2.
Synonyms: fail 3, dwindle, fall short, wane, waste (away), weaken
Idioms: shrink ( or dwindle) down to nothing
3.
Synonyms: recoil , blanch, blench, flinch, quail, squinch, start, wince
Related Word: cower, cringe, crouch, huddle, slink; draw (back), recede, retire, retreat, withdraw; boggle, demur, scruple