cringe
Translation
to cringe, to flinch, to fawn
Examples
I cringe when I hear that song.
I cringe when I hear that song.
The dog cringed at the loud noise.
The dog cringed at the loud noise.
Grammar Patterns
((at sth.)) to react to something He cringed at the terrible joke.
((when ...)) to react to a situation I cringe when I remember what I said.
Similar Words
Synonyms: flinch, wince, recoil
Etymology
From Old English 'cringan' meaning 'to yield, fall in battle', which evolved to mean 'to bend or crouch in fear'.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone 'crying' and 'shrinking' at the same time due to embarrassment or fear.