cringed; cringing
Definition of cringe
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: to recoil in distaste
Americans cringed … at the use of a term now regarded as a slur— William Safire
2
: to shrink in fear or servility
The terrified animal cringed in the corner.
3
: to behave in an excessively humble or servile way
beggars cringing to tourists for money
4
: to draw in or contract one's muscles involuntarily (as from cold or pain)
… we cringe under the blasting wind …— Charles S. Houston
cringe
nounDefinition of cringe (Entry 2 of 2)
: a cringing act
specifically
: a servile bow
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for cringe
The first known use of cringe was in the 13th century
See more words from the same century