cringe — to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable because of awkwardness
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable because of awkwardness
Pronunciation (IPA): /krɪndʒ/
Example Sentences
- I still cringe when I remember singing karaoke in front of my crush
- The movie was so cringe that half the audience left early
- My mom's attempt to use teen slang makes me cringe so hard
cringe
VERB[/krɪndʒ/]
to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable because of awkwardness

I cringe every time I hear my old voicemail greeting.

She cringes at the party, hiding behind her fringe, gripping the hinge!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'cringan' meaning 'to bend, bow down, or yield in battle.' The word evolved from describing physical cowering to modern psychological discomfort or embarrassment.
Breakdown
cring- (bend/bow down) + -e (verb ending)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I still cringe when I remember singing karaoke in front of my crush”
“The movie was so cringe that half the audience left early”
“My mom's attempt to use teen slang makes me cringe so hard”
“He cringed at the memory of his failed job interview”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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