Shrink

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈʃɹɪŋk/
• Rhymes: -ɪŋk

Origin

From Middle English shrinken, from Old English scrincan, from Proto-Germanic *skrinkanÄ…. Cognate with Dutch schrinken ("to shrink").

Full definition of shrink

Verb

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.
• Francis BaconI have not found that water, by mixture of ashes, will shrink or draw into less room.
• DrydenAnd shrink like parchment in consuming fire.
3. (intransitive) To cower or flinch.Molly shrank away from the blows of the whip.
4. (transitive) To draw back; to withdraw.
• MiltonThe Libya Hammon shrinks his horn.
5. (intransitive, figuratively) To withdraw or retire, as from danger.
• Alexander PopeWhat happier natures shrink at with affright,
  The hard inhabitant contends is right.
• Jowett (Thucyd.)They assisted us against the Thebans when you shrank from the task.

Synonyms

• (avoid an unwanted task) funk, shirk

Antonyms

• (to cause to become smaller) expand, grow, enlarge, stretch
• (become smaller) expand, grow, enlarge, stretch

Noun

1. shrinkage; contraction; recoilYet almost wish, with sudden shrink,
   That I had less to praise. — Leigh Hunt.
2. (slang, sometimes pejorative) A psychiatrist or therapist; a head-shrinker.You need to see a shrink.My shrink said that he was an enabler, bad for me.
• 1994, Green Day, Basket Case (song)I went to a shrink, to analyze my dreams. He said it's lack of sex that's bringing my down.''

Usage notes

The slang sense was originally pejorative, expressing a distrust of practitioners in the field. It is now not as belittling or trivializing.

Synonyms

• head-shrinker