shrug

American  

[shruhg] / ʃrʌg /

verb (used with object)

shrugged, shrugging

1. to raise and contract (the shoulders), expressing indifference, disdain, etc.

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verb (used without object)

shrugged, shrugging

1. to raise and contract the shoulders.

noun

1. the movement of raising and contracting the shoulders.

2. a short sweater or jacket that ends above or at the waistline.

verb phrase

1. shrug off

   1. to disregard; minimize.

      to shrug off an insult.

   2. to rid oneself of.

      to shrug off the effects of a drug.

shrug British  

/ ʃrʌɡ /

verb

1. to draw up and drop (the shoulders) abruptly in a gesture expressing indifference, contempt, ignorance, etc

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noun

1. the gesture so made

2. a woman's short jacket or close-fitting cardigan

Other Word Forms

• unshrugging adjective

Etymology

Origin of shrug

1350–1400; (v.) Middle English schruggen to shudder, shrug < ?; (noun) late Middle English shrugge a tug, pull, derivative of the v.

Example Sentences

Canada’s consumer is exiting 2025 in better shape compared with earlier in the year after shrugging off concerns of a trade war and other macroeconomic concerns that had weighed on spending.

From The Wall Street Journal

Kellogg had also shrugged off an appeal from television personality Tucker Carlson, who told him before Inauguration Day that Moscow was ready to start talking.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mrs Owens said she asked Michelle Mills what had happened but she "shrugged her shoulders" and was "busy texting".

From BBC

When BBC Sport asked fans along South Beach who Joshua was, many shrugged.

From BBC

The economy is expected to continue recovering in 2026, shrugging off an extended period of weak activity and rising unemployment.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bounce
• bump
• fling
• flop
• hurtle
• jolt
• lug
• snatch
• thrust
• tug
• twitch
• wiggle
• wrench
• wriggle
• wring
• yank