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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

shrink

/ʃɹɪŋk/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 0:55
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What does shrink mean?

verb

  1. To cause to become smaller.
  2. To become smaller; to contract.
  3. To cower or flinch.
More meanings (6)

verb

  1. To draw back; to withdraw.
  2. (figuratively) To withdraw or retire, as from danger.
  3. To move back or away, especially because of fear or disgust.

noun

  1. Shrinkage; contraction; recoil.
  2. Loss of inventory, for example due to shoplifting or not selling items before their expiration date.
  3. (derogatory, slang) A psychiatrist or psychotherapist.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/ʃɹɪŋk/

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

The language spoken by M. Nioche was a singular compound, which I shrink from the attempt to reproduce in its integrity.
Henry JamesThe AmericanProject Gutenberg ebook #177
Yet I shrink from them, from their curious glances, their inquiries and assistance, and long to be away from them and alone.
H. G. (Herbert George) WellsThe island of Doctor MoreauProject Gutenberg ebook #159
More book examples (3)
While America rebuilds at home, we will not shrink from the challenges nor fail to seize the opportunities of this new world.
United States. PresidentsUnited States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches: From Washington to George W. BushProject Gutenberg ebook #925
I am no coward, to shrink before the rugged rush of the storm, nor even quail before the awful shadow of the Veil.
W. E. B. (William Edward Burghardt) Du BoisThe Souls of Black FolkProject Gutenberg ebook #408
I looked at her again by and by, and saw her shrink into her corner, and put her gloved hand to her forehead.
Charles DickensDavid CopperfieldProject Gutenberg ebook #766