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.

Explanation

To shrug is to raise your shoulders slightly, often to show that you're unsure or indifferent, like when you don't know the answer to a question. A shrug is a gesture that can convey a lot without words. You might shrug if you're uncertain about the plans a friend is suggesting. You may also find yourself shrugging in response to a question that you don't know the answer to or one that you don't care enough about to answer. A shrug can suggest indifference to a person or situation that you might normally find stressful, showing that you have simply decided it's not worth getting worked up over.

Example Sentences

They bring a shrug, then an eye cast toward the next record high.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

But Reaves, who excels at nearly every sport he attempts, including golf, bowling, tennis, pickleball and table tennis, just has great touch, Redick said with a shrug.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

French industry was mostly able to shrug off the impact of U.S. tariffs in 2025.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

It's not like Rangers folk will shrug in defeat - it's not exactly their style - but Celtic fans are an angrier and more frustrated crew right now.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

He was quiet for a moment, then shrugged off his mood with ease, the way one might shrug off a coat upon coming indoors.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

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