squirm

/skwɜrm/
verb
  1. To twist or move the body from side to side, often because of discomfort, nervousness, or embarrassment.
    • She squirmed with embarrassment when the teacher called on her without warning.
    • The little boy began to squirm in his seat during the long car ride.
    • The worm squirmed on the sidewalk after the rain.
  2. To feel or show great discomfort, embarrassment, or shame.
    • He squirmed when his boss mentioned the mistake in front of everyone.
    • The audience squirmed during the awkward scene in the movie.
    • I squirmed at the thought of having to give a speech.
Antonyms
noun
  1. A twisting or wriggling movement.
    • The fish gave a quick squirm and slipped out of his hands.
    • With a squirm, the toddler tried to escape from the bath.
    • She felt a squirm of discomfort as the dentist approached.