squirm
[ skwurm ]
/ skwɜrm /
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.
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Nearby words
squirearch, squirearchy, squiredom, squireen, squireling, squirm, squirmy, squirrel, squirrel away, squirrel cage, squirrel corn
Origin of squirm
First recorded in 1685–95; of expressive orig., perhaps echoing worm
Related forms
squirm·er, nounsquirm·ing·ly, adverbun·squirm·ing, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for squirming
British Dictionary definitions for squirming
squirm
/ (skwɜːm) /
verb (intr)
to move with a wriggling motion; writhe
to feel deep mental discomfort, guilt, embarrassment, etc
noun
a squirming movement
Derived Forms
squirmer, nounsquirming, adjectivesquirmingly, adverbWord Origin for squirm
C17: of imitative origin (perhaps influenced by worm)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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