v. & n.
--v. (shrugged, shrugging)
1. intr. slightly and momentarily raise the shoulders to express indifference, helplessness, contempt, etc.
2 tr. a raise (the shoulders) in this way. b shrug the shoulders to express (indifference etc.) (shrugged his consent).
--n. the act or an instance of shrugging.
Phrases and idioms:
shrug off dismiss as unimportant etc. by or as if by shrugging.
Etymology: ME: orig. unkn.