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

Zara squeals, transferring the squirming ball of black fluff into Jonah’s arms.

From Literature

His whiskers tickled her neck, and she squirmed a bit, finally settling with her forehead pressed to his.

From Literature

Mr. Ireland indicates the uneven power dynamics involved when Leigh, though squirming at the idea, is needled into answering the same repulsive question, settling on Margaret Thatcher.

From The Wall Street Journal

Elbows and shoulders were in my way but I squirmed past.

From Literature

Wolf squirmed and licked Torak’s chin and told him how awful it had been, all at once.

From Literature

Related Words

• flounder
• writhe