shrivel — to become dry and wrinkled and smaller, usually as a result of heat, cold, or age
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to become dry and wrinkled and smaller, usually as a result of heat, cold, or age
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈʃrɪvəl/
Example Sentences
- My houseplant shriveled because I forgot to water it for three weeks.
- The raisins are just grapes that have shriveled in the sun.
- His confidence shriveled when he saw the difficult exam questions.
shrivel
VERB[/ˈʃrɪvəl/]
to become dry and wrinkled and smaller, usually as a result of heat, cold, or age
The forgotten grapes shrivel into raisins on the sunny windowsill.
His life's work shrivels to drivel as his swivel chair turns away
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'shrivelen', possibly derived from Old Norse 'hrífla' meaning to curl up or wrinkle. The word entered English around the 16th century and is related to Scandinavian languages.
Breakdown
shrivelen (Middle English: to curl up or wrinkle) + -el (verb suffix) = shrivel (to become wrinkled and smaller)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My houseplant shriveled because I forgot to water it for three weeks.”
“The raisins are just grapes that have shriveled in the sun.”
“His confidence shriveled when he saw the difficult exam questions.”
“The balloon shriveled overnight and looked like a sad, wrinkled face.”
📚Related Words
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