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Shrank Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shrank

[สƒrรฆล‹k ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past participle

Shrank is the past tense of the verb 'shrink,' meaning to become smaller in size, amount, or degree. It is often used to describe physical objects, such as clothing or materials, that have reduced in size due to exposure to heat or washing. The term can also be applied more abstractly, indicating a decrease in quantity or intensity. The action of shrinking can result from various factors, including wear and tear, environmental conditions, or intentional alterations.

Synonyms

contract, decrease, diminish, reduce.

Examples of usage

  • The shirt shrank after being washed in hot water.
  • The company shrank its workforce to cut costs.
  • Her enthusiasm for the project shrank over time.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, when a gas is cooled, it can shrink in volume according to the gas laws.
  • Certain materials, like wool, can shrink due to moisture and heat, which is important in fabric care.
  • The concept of 'shrinkage' is crucial in statistics, representing how sample data can get smaller than expected.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'shrink' is informally used to refer to psychologists or therapists in films and shows.
  • In the movie 'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids', a scientist accidentally shrinks his children, leading to humorous adventures.
  • The phrase 'shrink ray' often appears in science fiction, signifying a fictional device that makes objects smaller.

Psychology

  • In therapeutic settings, some individuals feel their problems 'shrink' or lessen as they talk through them.
  • The concept of cognitive shrinkage relates to how our thoughts or feelings can feel smaller when reframed positively.
  • When faced with overwhelming challenges, people might feel their worries shrink as they seek support from loved ones.

Literature

  • In Lewis Carrollโ€™s 'Alice in Wonderland', Alice experiences shrinking after consuming magical items, illustrating transformation.
  • The phrase 'shrink in fear' appears frequently in poetry, representing diminishing courage or presence.
  • Many fables and stories revolve around the theme of characters either physically shrinking or having diminishing power.

Origin of 'shrank'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has Old English roots, coming from 'scrincan', meaning to 'become smaller' or 'to be crushed'.
  • It shares connections with similar words in German and Dutch, hinting at its ancient European roots.
  • The idea of shrinking has appeared in many forms in literature, often symbolizing change or loss.

The word 'shrink' comes from the Old English term 'scrincan', which means to 'shrink, shrink back, or become less.' The word has Germanic roots, closely related to the Old High German 'scrinkan' and the Dutch 'sinken.' These origins suggest a long history of usage in relation to both physical and metaphorical reduction. Over the centuries, the meaning has evolved but retained the core concept of becoming smaller in size or quantity. Historical texts have utilized the term in various contexts, from describing the physical shrinking of cloth to the figurative shrinking of opportunities or resources. The term became more widespread with industrial advancements and the development of textiles, while also being adopted in various metaphorical contexts in literature and everyday speech.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,614, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.