Shrink Definition & Meaning

shrink
noun
  1. a physician who specializes in psychiatry
verb
  1. wither, as with a loss of moisture; "The fruit dried and shriveled"
  2. draw back, as with fear or pain; "she flinched when they showed the slaughtering of the calf"
  3. reduce in size; reduce physically; "Hot water will shrink the sweater"; "Can you shrink this image?"
  4. become smaller or draw together; "The fabric shrank"; "The balloon shrank"
  5. decrease in size, range, or extent; "His earnings shrank"; "My courage shrivelled when I saw the task before me"

Synonyms for shrink

contract noun

a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law (contract bridge) the highest bid becomes

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cringe verb

draw back, as with fear or pain; "she flinched when they showed the slaughtering of the calf" show submission or fear

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flinch noun

a reflex response to sudden pain draw back, as with fear or pain

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funk noun

a state of nervous depression; "he was in a funk" United States biochemist (born in Poland) who showed that several

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psychiatrist noun

a physician who specializes in psychiatry

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quail noun

flesh of quail; suitable for roasting or broiling if young

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recoil noun

the backward jerk of a gun when it is fired a movement back from an impact draw back, as with fear or pain

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reduce verb

cut down on; make a reduction in; "reduce your daily fat intake

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shrivel verb

wither, as with a loss of moisture; "The fruit dried and shriveled" decrease in size, range, or extent

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squinch noun

a small arch built across the interior angle of two walls (usually to support a spire) crouch down draw back, as with

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"Shrink" in song lyrics

See how shrink is used in real songs:

  • "What should I do, I think I need a head Shrink"
    51.50 — Suicyde
  • "When she's at the shrink"
    7L & Esoteric — Stalker
  • "To my people who keep an impressive wingspan even when the cubicle shrink"
    Aesop Rock — None Shall Pass

Words that rhyme with shrink

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Usage tips for "shrink"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "shrink" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for shrink to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with shrink ↔ Synonyms for shrink 🔬 Words containing shrink

Frequently asked questions

What does shrink mean?
a physician who specializes in psychiatry wither, as with a loss of moisture; "The fruit dried and shriveled" draw back, as with fear or pain; "she flinched when they showed the slaughtering of the calf" reduce in size; reduce physically; "Hot water will shrink the sweater"; "Can you shrink this image?" become smaller or draw together; "The fabric shrank"; "The balloon shrank" decrease in size, range, or extent; "His earnings shrank"; "My courage shrivelled when I saw the task before me"
What part of speech is shrink?
Shrink is a noun and a verb.
How many definitions does shrink have?
Shrink has 6 definitions across 2 parts of speech (noun, verb).

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