1
a
: to become smaller in amount, size, or value
The sweater shrank when it was washed.
Meat shrinks as it cooks.
The town's population shrank during the war.
b
: to make (something) smaller in amount, size, or value
Hot water shrank the sweater.
The treatment should shrink the tumor.
2
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to quickly move away from something shocking, frightening, or disgusting
He shrank in horror when he saw the dead cat.
Cite this Entry
“Shrink.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/shrink. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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