Shrink: meaning, definitions and examples

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shrink

[ ʃrɪŋk ]

^{Context #1}

in size

To become or make smaller in size or amount, often as a result of exposure to heat or moisture.

Synonyms

decrease, diminish, reduce

Examples of usage

The sweater shrank in the wash.
He shrank the plastic wrap by applying heat.

^{Context #2}

psychology

A person who is extremely shy or timid, often avoiding social interaction.

Synonyms

hermit, introvert, recluse

Examples of usage

She's a bit of a shrink, always keeping to herself.
He's such a shrink, he never speaks up in meetings.

Translations

Translations of the word "shrink" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encolher

🇮🇳 सिकुड़ना

🇩🇪 schrumpfen

🇮🇩 menyusut

🇺🇦 скоротитися

🇵🇱 kurczyć się

🇯🇵 縮む (chijimu)

🇫🇷 rétrécir

🇪🇸 encoger

🇹🇷 küçültmek

🇰🇷 줄어들다 (jureodeulda)

🇸🇦 يتقلص (yataqallas)

🇨🇿 zmenšit se

🇸🇰 zmenšiť sa

🇨🇳 缩小 (suōxiǎo)

🇸🇮 skrčiti se

🇮🇸 minnka

🇰🇿 кішірейту

🇬🇪 შემცირება (shemtsireba)

🇦🇿 kiçiltmək

🇲🇽 encoger

Word origin

The word 'shrink' originated from Middle English 'schrinken', which in turn came from Old English 'scrincan', meaning 'to contract, draw in'. The sense of 'psychiatrist' as a noun, often informally referred to as a 'shrink', is derived from the idea of 'shrinking' one's problems or mental state. Over time, 'shrink' has come to be used in various contexts beyond its original meaning of physical reduction.