squirm

American  

[skwurm] / skwɜrm /

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.

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noun

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

squirm British  

/ skwɜːm /

verb

1. to move with a wriggling motion; writhe

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

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noun

1. a squirming movement

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of squirm

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

Example Sentences

I squirmed, then froze in my chair, trying to conceal my cringe.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It’s better than the trophy…watching them squirm and having to just be the butt of all the jokes,” said Solomonson, who is on edge since he’s currently near the bottom of the standings.

From The Wall Street Journal

Skeptics who had been perplexed by Mr. Gehry’s squirming metallic shapes suddenly found them perfectly comprehensible.

From The Wall Street Journal

The participants, who have spent the last hour squirming, shaking and humming, cross the invisible threshold.

From Los Angeles Times

Still cradling the squirming cat, she knelt before the children and gazed at each face in turn.

From Literature

Related Words

• flounder
• writhe