I. ˈkrinj intransitive verb
( cringed ; cring·ing )
Etymology: Middle English crengen; akin to Old English cringan to yield, Middle High German krank weak
Date: 13th century
1. : to draw in or contract one's muscles involuntarily (as from cold or pain)
2. : to shrink in fear or servility
3. : to behave in an excessively humble or servile way
4. : to recoil in distaste
Americans cringed …at the use of a term now regarded as a slur — William Safire
Synonyms: see fawn
• cring·er noun
II. noun
Date: 1597
: a cringing act ; specifically : a servile bow