to draw back, as in retreat or avoidance

to shrink from danger; to shrink from contact.

to contract or lessen in size, as from exposure to conditions of temperature or moisture

This cloth will not shrink if washed in lukewarm water.

to become reduced in extent or compass.

to cause to shrink or contract; reduce.

Textiles . to cause (a fabric) to contract during finishing, thus preventing shrinkage, during laundering, of the garments made from it.

an act or instance of shrinking.

a shrinking movement.

shrinkage.

Also, shrinker. Also called head shrinker. Slang . a psychotherapist, psychiatrist, or psychoanalyst.

verb

develop , enlarge , expand , grow , stretch , face , meet , take on

verb

compress , concentrate , condense , constrict , contract , decrease , deflate , diminish , drop off , dwindle , fail , fall off , fall short , grow smaller , lessen , narrow , reduce , shorten , shrivel , wane , waste , waste away , weaken , wither , wrinkle , blench , boggle , cower , cringe , crouch , demur , draw back , flinch , hang back , huddle , quail , recede , refuse , retire , retreat , scruple , shudder , slink , wince , withdraw , compact , constringe , recoil , shy , start , atrophy , cling , construct , curtail , hesitate , retract , swindle , telescope , winch

noun

cringe , flinch , wince