Cringe (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

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verb (used without object), cringed, cring·ing.
  1. to shrink back, bend, or crouch, especially in fear, pain, or servility; cower: She cringed in a corner and started praying. They cringed and bowed before the king.
  2. to feel very embarrassed or awkward; react with discomfort: Some of us cringed at the speaker’s tactless comments.
  3. to seek favor by acting in a servile way; fawn: He has never cringed to anyone—in fact, he can sometimes be a bully.
noun
  1. an act or instance of shrinking back, bending, or crouching: The gunshots elicited a cringe of terror.
  2. an instance of being very embarrassed, awkward, or uncomfortable: Some of his outfits are bizarre enough to induce a cringe or two.
  3. servile or fawning deference.
adjective
  1. causing embarrassment or resulting in awkward discomfort; cringeworthy; cringey: Her attempt to rap at the talent show was so very cringe.
verb (intr)
  1. to shrink or flinch, esp in fear or servility
  2. to behave in a servile or timid way
  3. informal
    • to wince in embarrassment or distaste
    • to experience a sudden feeling of embarrassment or distaste
noun
  1. the act of cringing
  2. subservience to overseas cultural standards
Cringe (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

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