worm

²worm

verb

Definition of WORM

intransitive verb

: to move or proceed sinuously or insidiously

transitive verb

1

a : to proceed or make (one's way) insidiously or deviously <worm their way into positions of power — Bill Franzen> b : to insinuate or introduce (oneself) by devious or subtle means c : to cause to move or proceed in or as if in the manner of a worm

2

: to wind rope or yarn spirally round and between the strands of (a cable or rope) before serving

3

: to obtain or extract by artful or insidious questioning or by pleading, asking, or persuading —usually used with out of <finally wormed the truth out of him>

4

: to treat (an animal) with a drug to destroy or expel parasitic worms

Examples of WORM

1. He slowly wormed through the crowd.
2. He slowly wormed his way through the crowd.
3. You should have the dog vaccinated and wormed.

First Known Use of WORM

1610

Related to WORM

Synonyms: creep, inch, encroach

Related Words: snake, sneak; entrench (also intrench), impinge, infringe, intrude, invade; overpass, overreach, overrun, overshoot, overstep

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