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.
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.
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.