cringing

• Beschreibt das Gefühl von Verlegenheit, Ekel oder Angst, oft mit körperlichen Reaktionen wie Zusammenzucken oder Schrumpfen; auch eine Person oder Sache, die solche Reaktionen auslöst.

Describes a feeling of embarrassment, disgust, or fear, often causing a physical reaction of shrinking or flinching.

1. Totally submissiveB2informal

   Showing complete submission or servility, often in a way that is embarrassing or uncomfortable to witness.

   Unterwürfig, kriecherisch

   • His cringing apology made everyone feel awkward.
   • She gave a cringing bow to the manager, hoping to avoid trouble.
   • The cringing behavior of the employee was hard to watch.

   Synonymeabjectfawninggrovelingobsequiousservileslavishsubservientsycophantictruckling

   Antonymeassertivedefianthaughtyimpertinentinsolent

2. Feeling embarrassed or disgustedB2informal

   Experiencing a strong feeling of embarrassment, disgust, or secondhand shame.

   Fremdscham empfindend oder angewidert

   • I felt cringing when he told that terrible joke.
   • The cringing silence after his comment was unbearable.
   • She had a cringing reaction to the awkward video.

   Synonymeabashedashamedchagrineddiscomfitedembarrassedmortifiedself-conscioussqueamishuncomfortable

   Antonymebrazenconfidentproudunashamed

• 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