I. ˈskwərm, -wə̄m, -wəim verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: perhaps imitative
intransitive verb
1. : to twist about with contortions like an eel or a worm (as from nervousness, embarrassment, or excess of energy)
sleek-haired subalterns who squirmed painfully in their chairs when they came to call — Rudyard Kipling
2.
a. : to proceed or move with a writhing motion
b. : to extricate oneself by subtle maneuvering
his reputation for honesty precluded any attempt to squirm out of an obligation — D.G.Hoffman
3. : to experience acute embarrassment, shame, anguish, remorse, or mental punishment
preparing … a grueling cross-examination … in which he is going to make me squirm in front of the grand jury — Erle Stanley Gardner
transitive verb
1. : to cause to squirm
2. : to execute or accomplish by means of a squirm
squirmed my way through the crowd — E.M.Benson
Synonyms: see writhe
II. noun
( -s )
: the action or an instance of squirming : wriggle