cringing

• Décrit un sentiment de gêne, de dégoût ou de peur, provoquant souvent une réaction physique de recul ou de frisson.

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.

   servile

   • 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.

   Synonymesabjectfawninggrovelingobsequiousservileslavishsubservientsycophantictruckling

   Antonymesassertivedefianthaughtyimpertinentinsolent

2. Feeling embarrassed or disgustedB2informal

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

   Avoir honte pour quelqu'un / être mal à l'aise

   • 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.

   Synonymesabashedashamedchagrineddiscomfitedembarrassedmortifiedself-conscioussqueamishuncomfortable

   Antonymesbrazenconfidentproudunashamed

• Verbe décrivant l'action de recroqueviller le corps par peur, servilité ou embarras, ou désignant une réaction de fort malaise ou de gêne face à quelque chose, notamment par empathie pour l'embarras d'autrui.

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.

   Reculer de peur

   • 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.

   Synonymesblenchcowerdraw backflinchquailrecoilshrinkwince

   Antonymesconfrontface

2. Feel embarrassedB1informal

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

   ressentir de la gêne

   • 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.

   Synonymesblushrecoilshrinksquirmwince

   Antonymespreenrelishswagger