Squirm: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone moves in a nervous or uncomfortable way, often when trying to get out of something or due to an uneasy situation.

• The child began to squirm in his seat during the long lecture.
• She tried not to squirm under the intense questioning.

Refers to making small, quick, and irregular movements, often to get free from something tight or restrictive.

• The fish wriggled in his hand as he tried to release it back into the water.
• The child wriggled out of his mother's arms to run and play.

Used when describing a motion that involves rotating or winding, often referring to turning the body or an object in a different direction.

• She twisted the cap off the bottle.
• He twisted his ankle while playing soccer.

Appropriate when someone makes small movements, often because of nervousness, boredom, or impatience.

• He fidgeted with his pen during the job interview.
• The students began to fidget as the class dragged on.

Used when someone is moving in a twisting way, often because they are uncomfortable, nervous, or in pain.

• The child began to squirm in his seat during the long ceremony.
• She tried not to squirm as the doctor examined her.

Describes movements that are small, quick, and often have a playful or mischievous connotation.

• The puppy wriggled out of his grasp.
• She wriggled into her tight jeans.

Refers to a more deliberate turning or bending motion, often involving a specific part of the body.

• He twisted the cap off the bottle.
• She twisted her ankle while running.

Often applies to small, restless movements, usually indicating boredom, anxiety, or impatience.

• The boy couldn't stop fidgeting with his pen during the exam.
• She fidgeted nervously while waiting for her interview.