shrink
1shrink
verb\ˈshriŋk, especially Southern ˈsriŋk\
shrank\ˈshraŋk, ˈsraŋk\ or shrunk\ˈshrəŋk, ˈsrəŋk\shrunk or shrunk·en\ˈshrəŋ-kən, ˈsrəŋ-\shrink·ing
Definition of SHRINK
intransitive verb
2
a : to contract to less extent or compass b : to become smaller or more compacted c : to lose substance or weight d : to lessen in value : dwindle
3
a : to recoil instinctively (as from something painful or horrible) <shrank from the challenge> b : to hold oneself back : refrain <did not shrink from telling the truth>
transitive verb
: to cause to contract or shrink; specifically : to compact (cloth) by causing to contract when subjected to washing, boiling, steaming, or other processes
— shrink·able \ˈshriŋ-kə-bəl, ˈsriŋ-\ adjective
— shrink·er noun
See Examples of SHRINK
- The sweater shrank when it was washed.
- Meat shrinks as it cooks.
- The town's population shrank during the war.
- Hot water shrank the sweater.
- The treatment should shrink the tumor.
- He shrank in horror when he saw the dead cat.
Origin of SHRINK
Middle English, from Old English scrincan; akin to Middle Dutch schrinken to draw back
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to SHRINK
Rhymes with SHRINK
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