shrink
Third Person
shrinks
Present Participle
shrinking
Past Tense
shrank
Past Participle
shrunk
1
(of clothes or fabric) to become smaller when washed with hot water
- Be cautious with the new sweater; it tends to shrink in hot water.
- The woolen scarf has shrunk after being accidentally washed with warm water.
- Last winter, my favorite sweater shrunk in the laundry.
- The label on the dress warns that it may shrink if not washed properly.
- Be careful, or your wool sweater might shrink in the laundry.
Synonyms:
2
to decrease in size or volume
- The budget for the project had to shrink due to funding cuts.
- Over time, the population of endangered species can shrink, leading to concerns about their survival.
- As the temperature dropped, the lake's surface began to freeze, causing the water level to shrink.
- The plastic bottle will shrink when exposed to heat, making it more compact for recycling.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
3
to pull back or show hesitation due to fear, aversion, or reluctance
- She has a phobia of spiders, causing her to shrink in fear whenever she encounters one.
- The loud noise startled her, causing her to shrink instinctively and cover her ears.
- The sight of blood made him shrink in revulsion and turn away.