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
• squirmingly adverb
• unsquirming adjective
• squirming 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

In the first episode, Carr was panicked, sweating and generally squirming over being a traitor.

Read more on BBC

Elsewhere, the audio drops out completely, replaced by the noise of a ticking clock that lingers just long enough to make the viewer squirm in their seat.

Read more on Salon

Though the reaction from delegates was largely muted, some were visibly squirming in their seats as the US president addressed the UN for the first time since he began his second term.

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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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• flounder 
• writhe