cringe
Translation
to recoil in embarrassment, to flinch in fear, to fawn
Examples
I cringe whenever I hear that song.
I cringe whenever I hear that song.
The dog cringed when its owner shouted.
The dog cringed when its owner shouted.
It makes me cringe to see him trying to be cool.
It makes me cringe to see him trying to be cool.
Grammar Patterns
((at sth.)) to feel disgust or embarrassment at (sth.) I cringe whenever I hear that song.
to shrink back in fear The dog cringed when its owner shouted.
Similar Words
Synonyms: flinch, wince, recoil, shrink
Etymology
From Old English 'cringan', meaning 'to yield, fall in battle'.
Memory Tips
The word 'cringe' sounds like 'cry' and 'wince' combined, which are reactions to something unpleasant or embarrassing.