shrank

Verb

shrink (third-person singular simple present shrinks, present participle shrinking, simple past shrank or (nonstandard) shrunk, past participle shrunk or shrunken)

1. (transitive) To cause to become smaller.
   • The dryer shrank my sweater.
2. (intransitive) To become smaller; to contract.
   • This garment will shrink when wet.
3. (intransitive) To cower or flinch.
   • Molly shrank away from the blows of the whip.
4. (transitive) To draw back; to withdraw.
   • The Libyc Hammon ſhrinks his horn,1629, John Milton, “On the Morning of Christs Nativity”, in Poems of Mr. John Milton, […], London: […] Ruth Raworth for Humphrey Mosely, […], published 1646, →OCLC, page 10

   Synonyms:

   funk, shirk

5. (figuratively, intransitive) To withdraw or retire, as from danger.
   • What happier natures shrink at with affright, / The hard inhabitant contends is right.1733, [Alexander Pope], An Essay on Man. […], (please specify |epistle=I to IV), London: […] J[ohn] Wilford, […], →OCLC

   Synonyms:

   shrink back, retreat, flinch

6. (intransitive) To move back or away, especially because of fear or disgust.

See all 9 meanings of shrink