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Definition shrink in British English

shrink verb

verb
/ʃrɪŋk/
1

to become smaller in size

Example

Do you think this dress will shrink if I handwash it?

Example

Many people shrink in old age.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

to make something smaller in size

Example

The treatment will shrink the tumour.

Synonyms and related words
2

to become smaller in amount, value, or range

Example

The company's profit margins shrank from 32.5 per cent to 17 per cent.

Synonyms and related words
2.1

to make something smaller in amount, value, or range

Example

The UN was urged to shrink its peacekeeping presence in Rwanda.

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3

to move back or away from someone or something, especially because you are frightened or nervous

Example

He shrank away from her touch.

Synonyms and related words
Definition shrink in British English