cringe

• Sich aus Angst, Unterwürfigkeit oder Verlegenheit zusammenziehen oder krümmen; sich stark unwohl fühlen oder Fremdscham empfinden.

A verb used to describe the act of bending one's body in fear, servility, or embarrassment, or reacting with strong discomfort or secondhand embarrassment.

1. Shrink back in fearB2formal

   To bend or move away from something unpleasant, often due to fear or disgust.

   Zurückschrecken aus Angst

   • She cringed at the sight of the spider.
   • He cringed when the dentist picked up the drill.
   • The dog cringed in the corner during the thunderstorm.

   Synonymeblenchcowerdraw backflinchquailrecoilshrinkwince

   Antonymeconfrontface

2. Feel embarrassedB1informal

   To feel a strong sense of embarrassment or awkwardness, often secondhand.

   Sich fremdschämen

   • I cringed when he told that terrible joke at the party.
   • She cringed watching her old home videos.
   • Everyone cringed at his awkward attempt to flirt.

   Synonymeblushrecoilshrinksquirmwince

   Antonymepreenrelishswagger