cringe
UK[krɪndʒ]US[krɪndʒ]
v
to suddenly move away from someone or something because you are frightened or in pain
v
to feel very embarrassed and uncomfortable about something
n
an act or feeling of cringing
Etymology
the word "cringe" originates from the old english verb cringan, meaning "to yield, fall (in battle), give way." this term is of germanic lineage, with cognates in middle dutch and old high german, all conveying a sense of bending, shrinking, or submitting under pressure. the core semantic thread evolved from a physical act of recoiling or shrinking in battle to a more general physical reaction of drawing back in fear or pain. by the 16th century, this physical sense extended metaphorically to describe the intense mental and emotional shrinking caused by acute embarrassment or discomfort, solidifying the modern dual meaning of both a physical flinch and a social wince.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it is of germanic origin, related to middle english crengen and old english cringan, meaning "to yield, fall in battle, give way." its functional role is as a complete lexical root.
Examples
she cringed away from the snarling dog.
i cringe every time i remember my awkward speech.
his constant bragging is a major cringe.