(~s, ~ing, shrank, shrunk)
1.
If cloth or clothing ~s, it becomes smaller in size, usually as a result of being washed.
All my jumpers have shrunk.
VERB: V
2.
If something ~s or something else ~s it, it becomes smaller.
The vast forests of West Africa have shrunk...
Hungary may have to lower its hopes of ~ing its state sector.
? grow
VERB: V, V n
3.
If you ~ away from someone or something, you move away from them because you are frightened, shocked, or disgusted by them.
One child ~s away from me when I try to talk to him...
VERB: V prep/adv
4.
If you do not ~ from a task or duty, you do it even though it is unpleasant or dangerous.
We must not ~ from the legitimate use of force if we are to remain credible...
VERB: usu with neg, V from n
5.
A ~ is a psychiatrist. (INFORMAL)
I’ve seen a ~ already.
N-COUNT
6.
no ~ing violet: see violet