Definition of shrink

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< Shriner

shrinkage >

shrink    (shrngk) KEY 

VERB:
shrank  (shrngk) KEY  or shrunk  (shrngk) KEY , shrunk or shrunk·en  (shrngkn) KEY , shrink·ing, shrinks
VERB:
intr.

1. To become constricted from heat, moisture, or cold.
2. To become reduced in amount or value; dwindle: His savings quickly shrank.
3. To draw back instinctively, as from something alarming; recoil.
4. To show reluctance; hesitate: shrink from making such a sacrifice.

VERB:
tr.

To cause to shrink.

NOUN:

1. 1. The act of shrinking.
   2. The degree to which something shrinks; shrinkage.
2. Slang A psychotherapist.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English shrinken, to wither, shrivel up, from Old English scrincan; see sker-² in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
shrinka·ble(Adjective), shrinker(Noun)