CRINGE


Meaning of CRINGE in English

v.

Pronunciation: ' krinj

Function: intransitive verb

Inflected Form: 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

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.