shrink

1. 1

   To cause to become smaller.transitive

   • The dryer shrank my sweater.
2. 2

   To become smaller; to contract.intransitive

   • This garment will shrink when wet.
3. 3

   To cower or flinch.intransitive

   • Molly shrank away from the blows of the whip.
4. 4

   To draw back; to withdraw.transitive

   • The Libyc Hammon ſhrinks his horn,
5. 5

   To withdraw or retire, as from danger.figurativelyintransitive

   • What happier natures shrink at with affright, / The hard inhabitant contends is right.
   • They assisted us against the Thebans when you shrank from the task.
6. 6

   To move back or away, especially because of fear or disgust.intransitive

ant. expand · grow · enlarge · stretch

1. 1

   Shrinkage; contraction; recoil.

   • Yet almost with, with sudden shrink, That I had less to praise.
2. 2

   A psychiatrist or psychotherapist.derogatoryslangsometimes

   • You need to see a shrink, you crazy fool.
   • My shrink said that he was an enabler, bad for me.
3. 3

   Loss of inventory, for example due to shoplifting or not selling items before their expiration date.uncountable

   • Assuming the retailer's shrink is average or below, and the owner is comfortable with the level of shrink, perhaps nothing more need be done except to maintain vigilance and to monitor the shrink for signs of emerging problems.