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Shrivel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shrivel

[ˈʃrɪv(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in nature

To shrivel means to become or make something dry and wrinkled, typically as a result of heat, cold, or being old.

Synonyms

dehydrate, wilt, wither.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shrivel

Used when something becomes smaller, wrinkled, or dried, often due to a lack of moisture. Can be applied to organic matter such as plants, fruits, or skin.

  • The leaves shrivel up in the hot sun
  • The old man's skin began to shrivel
wither

Implies a slow decline into decay, often used for plants but can also apply to dreams, hopes, or other metaphorical contexts. This word carries a more negative connotation.

  • The once lush garden began to wither without proper care
  • His dreams withered away after he failed the exam
wilt

Typically refers to plants losing their firmness and life due to lack of water. Can also describe losing energy or enthusiasm in people or animals.

  • The flowers will wilt if they are not watered
  • After the long hike, we began to wilt from exhaustion
dehydrate

Describes the process of losing water or moisture. Commonly used in scientific or health-related contexts. Can also refer to food preservation techniques.

  • If you don't drink enough water, you can dehydrate quickly
  • We need to dehydrate these fruits to make dried snacks

Examples of usage

  • The leaves shriveled up in the hot sun.
  • The grapes shriveled on the vine.
  • The old apple had shriveled and lost its freshness.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A shrivel is a state of being shrunken or wrinkled.

Synonyms

shrinkage, wrinkle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shrivel

Used to describe something that has dried out and become smaller or wrinkled, often due to lack of water or aging. It can refer to vegetables, fruits, or even skin.

  • The leaves on the plant began to shrivel in the intense heat
  • The once juicy tomato had shriveled up in the sun
shrinkage

Commonly refers to the reduction in size, often used in contexts like fabric or clothing that has become smaller after washing. Can also refer to more abstract reductions, such as financial losses or inventory decreases.

  • The shrinkage in the sweater was noticeable after it was washed
  • Inventory shrinkage can significantly impact a company's profits
wrinkle

Describes small folds or creases, often appearing on the skin, fabric, or other surfaces. It can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation, especially when referring to aging skin.

  • After sitting for hours, the fabric of her dress started to wrinkle
  • He noticed new wrinkles appearing on his forehead

Examples of usage

  • She looked at the shrivel of the fruit in disappointment.
  • The heat caused a shrivel in the once lush plants.

Translations

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

Origin of 'shrivel'

The word 'shrivel' originated from the Old English word 'screofan', meaning 'to shrivel'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, with the same basic meaning of becoming dry and wrinkled. The concept of shriveling has been observed in nature for centuries, as plants wither and fruits dehydrate. The word has since become commonly used in English to describe the process of drying up and becoming wrinkled.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,771, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.