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
• squirming adjective
• squirmingly adverb
• unsquirming 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 )

Related Words

• flounder 
• writhe