shrink

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shrink /ʃr'ɪŋk/ (shrinks shrinking shrank shrunk)
1 [VERB] V
If cloth or clothing shrinks, it becomes smaller in size, usually as a result of being washed.
All my jumpers have shrunk.
2 [VERB] V, V n
If something shrinks or something else shrinks it, it becomes smaller.
The vast forests of West Africa have shrunk...
Hungary may have to lower its hopes of shrinking its state sector.
≠ grow
3 [VERB] V prep/adv
If you shrink away from someone or something, you move away from them because you are frightened, shocked, or disgusted by them.
One child shrinks away from me when I try to talk to him...
4 [VERB] usu with neg, V from n
If you do not shrink from a task or duty, you do it even though it is unpleasant or dangerous.
We must not shrink from the legitimate use of force if we are to remain credible...
5 [N-COUNT]
A shrink is a psychiatrist. (INFORMAL)
I've seen a shrink already.
6
no shrinking violet: see violet

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