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cringe

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /krɪndʒ/

cringe means: To pull back or make your body smaller because you feel afraid, disgusted, or embarrassed.

verb

SHRINK BACKB2

To pull back or make your body smaller because you feel afraid, disgusted, or embarrassed.

  • She cringed in fear.
  • I cringe when I hear that awful noise.
  • He cringed at the memory of his embarrassing speech.

How to use it: cringe at something (I cringed at the horrible noise.); cringe away from someone/something (The child cringed away from the angry man.)

Similar words: flinch, recoil, cower

Common phrases: cringe in fear, cringe at something, cringe away

noun

SHRINKING MOVEMENTC1

A movement of pulling back or making your body smaller because of fear, disgust, or embarrassment.

  • He reacted with a cringe.
  • A slight cringe showed how embarrassed she felt.
  • I noticed his involuntary cringe as the needle approached.

Similar words: flinch, recoil

Common phrases: a slight cringe, a visible cringe, with a cringe

Questions about cringe

What does cringe mean?

To pull back or make your body smaller because you feel afraid, disgusted, or embarrassed.

What is cringe in other languages?

Türkçe: irkilmek · Español: encogerse · Français: se recroqueviller · Deutsch: zusammenzucken · Italiano: rannicchiarsi · 日本語: 身をすくめる

How do you pronounce cringe?

It is pronounced /krɪndʒ/.

How do you use cringe in a sentence?

She cringed in fear. I cringe when I hear that awful noise.

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