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

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

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He catches the squirming insect in his nimble little fingers and crushes the Obayifo like a blueberry.

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

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Penelope squirmed; sitting on a rock was not nearly as comfortable as her cozy armchair in the nursery would be.

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“After all, not even Edith-Anne Pevington wrote postcards to Rainbow, clever pony that he was,” she thought as she helped the little girl squirm her arms into the sleeves.

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Related Words

• flounder 
• writhe