Advanced and Proficiency Vocabulary for Exams(e.g.GRE, Banks, Civil Services, SAT / LSAT). For IELTS/TOEFL, and everyday spoken vocabulary, go to our Spoken Vocabulary Database.
Meaning
a physical reaction to something unpleasant
- How to Memorize
- cringe - grimace
- Analysis
When you ‘cringe’, your body physically reacts to fear or embarrassment by grimacing or jerking away from the source of your discomfort. Such a reaction is typically involuntary but can on occasions be done simply for effect.
- Example(s)
When I look at old photos of myself I can’t help but cringe at the sort of clothes I used to wear!
As soon as I raised my hand, Gary cringed away from me. I think he thought I was about to hit him!
I cringe at the thought of having to give a speech in front of so many people. I’m really going to be taken out of my comfort zone.
