DictionaryAI

cringe

KRINJ/kɹɪnd͡ʒ/

Verbcringes, cringing, cringed

Noun pluralcringes (some meanings)

11 meanings of cringe

Practice

  1. 1
    feel embarrassedverbfigurativelyintransitive
    To feel a sharp wave of embarrassment, disgust, or fear inside.

    Like wanting to hide under the table when you remember something embarrassing.

    I cringe every time I remember what I said at the party.

    She cringed at the memory of her old text messages.

    UsageSay you cringe at something.

    Similarwince, squirm, shudder

    Note
  2. 2
    embarrassing to watchadjectiveslang
    So awkward or uncool that it makes other people feel embarrassed.

    Like watching someone trip on stage and feeling embarrassed for them.

    That video is so cringe I had to look away.

    Everyone said the school assembly skit was totally cringe.

    UsageSay something is so cringe.

    Similarembarrassing, awkward, cheesy, corny

    Oppositecool

    Note
  3. 3
    flinchverbintransitive
    To pull back or shrink away because you feel disgust, fear, or embarrassment.

    Like pulling your hand back fast when you touch something hot.

    She cringed when she heard the loud screech of metal.

    I cringe whenever someone scratches their nails on a chalkboard.

    Similarflinch, recoil, cower, shrink, wince

    Note
  4. 4
    embarrassing postsnounslanguncountable
    Online posts or behavior so awkward that they make other people feel embarrassed.

    Like a pile of embarrassing moments that make you want to cover your eyes.

    The whole video was pure cringe from start to finish.

    People post their old photos online just for the cringe.

    UsageSay so much cringe, with no a.

    Note
  5. 5
    nouncountable
    A small movement of pulling back or shrinking away from something.

    Like the quick flinch you make when something flies at your face.

    He gave a little cringe when the needle went in.

    A cringe crossed her face as the music got louder.

    Similarwince, flinch, shudder, recoil

  6. 6
    please the powerfulverbfigurativelyintransitive
    To act too humble and eager to please someone powerful, sometimes bowing low.

    Like always saying yes to the boss just to stay liked.

    They cringe before anyone with money or power.

    The servants cringed and bowed whenever the duke walked by.

    UsageSay cringe before someone powerful.

    Similargrovel, fawn, kowtow, crawl

    Note

Practice

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Origin

The verb comes from Middle English crengen, meaning to bend. It goes back to an Old English word meaning to cause to fall or turn. The noun and adjective come from the verb.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 4 facts