squirm

[ skwurm ]

/ skwɜrm /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: squirm / squirming on Thesaurus.com

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.

OTHER WORDS FOR squirm

1 turn, twist.

See synonyms for squirm on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of squirm

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

OTHER WORDS FROM squirm

squirmer, nounsquirm·ing·ly, adverbun·squirm·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use squirm in a sentence

Schaeffer remembers his father squirming when Pat Robertson talked about burning a reproduction of a nude by Modigliani.
Frank Schaeffer, the Atheist Who Believes in God|Nick Tabor|August 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As he spoke he plucked a solitary gold-fish squirming and twisting out of its globe.
Read ‘The King in Yellow,’ the ‘True Detective’ Reference That’s the Key to the Show|Robert W. Chambers|February 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Netanyahu, despite all his squirming, is no longer the boss.
How Bibi Stopped Being King|J. J. Goldberg|March 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
A brief struggle ensues as several officers attempt to subdue a squirming Grant, his hands behind his back.
‘Fruitvale Station,’ Sundance’s Hottest Film, Comes to Theaters|Marlow Stern|January 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST

In December, he was compelled to sign onto the Ryan budget plan after months of squirming to avoid it.
Romney: Too Weak?|David Frum|July 15, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The door opened, and a light shone through upon the squirming bundle that lay upon the step.
Scattergood Baines|Clarence Budington Kelland
He began squirming around the turbine tanks, got past the first brace, and turned to attach it again.
Tight Squeeze|Dean Charles Ing
Swinging the great loop above his head, he sent it squirming through the air.
The Pony Rider Boys in Texas|Frank Gee Patchin
Instead of using our hands for climbing, most of the time they were occupied with holding our squirming captives.
Before Adam|Jack London
A fat little rascal, with a bobbing fuzzy poll and squirming limbs.
Where the Pavement Ends|John Russell

British Dictionary definitions for squirm

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 of squirm

squirmer, 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

squirm

OTHER WORDS FOR squirm

Origin of squirm

OTHER WORDS FROM squirm

Words related to squirm

How to use squirm in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for squirm

Derived forms of squirm

Word Origin for squirm