cringe
/krɪndʒ/
verb
- To bend or move away from something because you are afraid, embarrassed, or in pain.
- The dog cringed at the sound of thunder.
- She cringed when the dentist picked up the drill.
- He cringed as the car nearly hit the curb.
- To feel strong embarrassment or disgust at something, especially because it is awkward or unpleasant.
- She cringed at the terrible acting in the movie.
- Many people cringe when they hear nails on a chalkboard.
- I cringe every time I remember that awkward speech I gave.
Antonyms
noun
- An act of bending or moving away from something in fear, embarrassment, or pain.
- She let out a little cringe as the needle went in.
- The sudden noise caused a visible cringe from the cat.
- He gave a cringe when the cold water hit his face.
- Something that causes a feeling of embarrassment or awkwardness; a cringeworthy thing.
- That video is such a cringe, I can't watch it.
- The whole scene was pure cringe from start to finish.
- His joke was total cringe, and nobody laughed.