squirm

[skwurm]

verb (used without object)

to wriggle or writhe.

to feel or display discomfort or distress, as from reproof, embarrassment, pain, etc.: He squirmed under the judge's questioning.

noun

the act of squirming; a squirming or wriggling movement.

Origin of squirm

First recorded in 1685–95; of expressive orig., perhaps echoing worm

Related formssquirm·er, nounsquirm·ing·ly, adverbun·squirm·ing, adjective

Synonyms for squirm

1. turn, twist.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for squirmed

flounder, writhe, twist, agonize, shift, skew, wriggle, squiggle, toss, wind, worm

Examples from the Web for squirmed

Contemporary Examples of squirmed

He looked especially phony when talking about undocumented workers “self-deporting” and squirmed when asked about his tax returns.
Paul Begala: The Strangely Silent Jan. 23 Debate in Tampa
Paul Begala
January 24, 2012

Historical Examples of squirmed

Even now, dizzy and faint as he was, Mr. Bangs squirmed upon the sofa.
Galusha the Magnificent
Joseph C. Lincoln
Ross squirmed in his chair, glancing under his brows at Kate.
The Manxman
Hall Caine
Weedon squirmed at this, and even Jeff thought it rather a nasty cut.
The Prisoner
Alice Brown
As Ashton lay back on the rock he squirmed from side to side and groaned.
Out of the Depths
Robert Ames Bennet
She squirmed at the cords holding her, but could not loosen them.
Astounding Stories of Super-Science, October, 1930
Various

British Dictionary definitions for squirmed

squirm

verb (intr)

to move with a wriggling motion; writhe

to feel deep mental discomfort, guilt, embarrassment, etc

noun

a squirming movement

Derived Formssquirmer, nounsquirming, adjectivesquirmingly, adverb

Word Origin for squirm

C17: of imitative origin (perhaps influenced by worm)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for squirmed

squirm

1690s, originally referring to eels, of unknown origin; sometimes associated with worm or swarm, but perhaps rather imitative. Related: Squirmed; squirming.