squirm

[ skwurm ]
See synonyms for: squirmsquirming on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)
  1. to wriggle or writhe.

  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.

Origin of squirm

1
First recorded in 1685–95; of expressive origin, perhaps echoing worm

Other words for squirm

Other words from squirm

  • squirmer, noun
  • squirm·ing·ly, adverb
  • un·squirm·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use squirm in a sentence

  • She and the Boss laid Freckles in the trough and poured on hot water until he squirmed.

    Freckles | Gene Stratton-Porter
  • After he had squirmed for a foot or so, he would stop and listen to see if the regular breathing of the man on the bed continued.

British Dictionary definitions for squirm

squirm

/ (skwɜːm) /


verb(intr)
  1. to move with a wriggling motion; writhe

  2. to feel deep mental discomfort, guilt, embarrassment, etc

noun
  1. a squirming movement

Origin of squirm

1
C17: of imitative origin (perhaps influenced by worm)

Derived forms of squirm

  • squirmer, noun
  • squirming, adjective
  • squirmingly, adverb

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