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to cringe
01
to draw back involuntarily, often in response to fear, pain, embarrassment, or discomfort
02
to exhibit a submissive or fearful reaction, often bending to authority or intimidation
Example
Witnessing the accident made bystanders cringe in horror at the impact.
The thought of public speaking makes him cringe, as he's always been shy.
She couldn't help but cringe when she saw the gruesome scene in the horror movie.
The bullied student would cringe in the presence of his tormentors.
The villagers would cringe before the oppressive ruler, fearing the consequences of defiance.
