SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

shrink from

phrasal verb

Definition of shrink from

: to try to avoid (something difficult or unpleasant) : to be unwilling to do (something)

He doesn't shrink from telling the truth, no matter how painful it may be.

She won't shrink from the task.

Word by Word Definitions

shrink play

: to contract or curl up the body or part of it : huddle, cower
: to contract to less extent or compass
: to become smaller or more compacted

: the act of shrinking
: shrinkage
: a clinical psychiatrist or psychologist

See the full definition of shrink

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up shrink from? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

headlong

play

without deliberation, pause, or delay

Words at Play

alt-5ad77fad37d22

What the #@*% Is a ‘Grawlix?’

We can thank Beetle Bailey.

alt-5ad76a1542e73

'Altho' vs. 'Although'

Altho doesn't get much love.

alt-5ad635a571736

A Brief History of 'Potshot'

Duck, or you might be dinner

alt-5ad5fb45b0494

What Is a 'Thirst Trap'?

A tall drink of water

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

video-literally

Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

video-his-or-her

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

cats-on-impossible-timber

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

Take the quiz

name-that-thing-toys-and-games-edition

Name that Thing: Toys and Games Edition

It's all fun and games until someone beats your high score.

Take the quiz

True or False?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

Take the quiz

Bee Cubed

Listen to the words and spell through all three levels.

Play the game