squirm
[skwurm]
- to wriggle or writhe.
- to feel or display discomfort or distress, as from reproof, embarrassment, pain, etc.: He squirmed under the judge's questioning.
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- the act of squirming; a squirming or wriggling movement.
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Origin of squirm
First recorded in 1685–95; of expressive orig., perhaps echoing worm
Synonyms
See more synonyms for squirm on Thesaurus.com1. turn, twist.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for squirmed
Contemporary Examples
He looked especially phony when talking about undocumented workers “self-deporting” and squirmed when asked about his tax returns.
Historical Examples
Even now, dizzy and faint as he was, Mr. Bangs squirmed upon the sofa.
Galusha the MagnificentJoseph C. Lincoln
Ross squirmed in his chair, glancing under his brows at Kate.
The ManxmanHall Caine
Weedon squirmed at this, and even Jeff thought it rather a nasty cut.
The PrisonerAlice Brown
As Ashton lay back on the rock he squirmed from side to side and groaned.
Out of the DepthsRobert Ames Bennet
She squirmed at the cords holding her, but could not loosen them.
squirm
- to move with a wriggling motion; writhe
- to feel deep mental discomfort, guilt, embarrassment, etc
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- a squirming movement
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Word Origin
C17: of imitative origin (perhaps influenced by worm)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for squirmed
squirm
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper