squirm

[skwurm]

verb (used without object)

1. to wriggle or writhe.

   Synonyms: twist, turn

2. to feel or display discomfort or distress, as from reproof, embarrassment, pain, etc..

   He squirmed under the judge's questioning.

noun

1. the act of squirming; a squirming or wriggling movement.

squirm

/ skwɜːm /

verb

1. to move with a wriggling motion; writhe

2. to feel deep mental discomfort, guilt, embarrassment, etc

noun

1. a squirming movement

Other Word Forms

• squirmer noun
• squirming adjective
• squirmingly adverb
• unsquirming adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of squirm¹

First recorded in 1685–95; of expressive origin, perhaps echoing worm

Word History and Origins

Origin of squirm¹

C17: of imitative origin (perhaps influenced by _worm )

Example Sentences

He knows that we know where this is going — the title gives the game away — so his job is to goose the inevitable in ways that make us squirm and gasp.

From Los Angeles Times

Footage showed the horizontal equine squirming and struggling as a firefighter and a veterinarian assisted him.

From Los Angeles Times

And all those passengers squirming around makes driving more difficult because of the constantly changing weight balance.

From Los Angeles Times

Oates wants us to turn pages and squirm.

From Los Angeles Times

Customs officials have released photographs on X of colourful snakes squirming in a dish.

From BBC

Related Words

• flounder 
• writhe