Word Definition

Cringe

  1. To contract; to draw together; to cause to shrink or wrinkle; to distort.
  2. To draw one's self together as in fear or servility; to bend or crouch with base humility; to wince; hence; to make court in a degrading manner; to fawn.
  3. Servile civility; fawning; a shrinking or bowing, as in fear or servility.