Cringe

/krɪndʒ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A feeling of embarrassment or discomfort caused by someone else's actions.

There was a collective cringe after he made that inappropriate joke.

verb

To bend one's body in fear or servility; to shrink back or crouch.

He cringed at the sound of the loud thunder.

To feel embarrassed or discomforted by someone else's actions or words.

I always cringe when I watch those awkward reality show moments.

Middle English cringen, of uncertain origin, perhaps related to the Old English 'cringan' meaning to bend or yield.

cringe factor

The level of embarrassment or discomfort elicited by something.

cringe-worthy

Causing feelings of embarrassment or awkwardness.

secondhand embarrassment

Feeling embarrassed on behalf of someone else.

wince

To flinch or recoil in pain or discomfort.

shrink

To draw back or to make smaller.

flinch

To make a quick, nervous movement in response to fear or surprise.

Something that is overly embarrassing or awkward.

That TikTok was so cringe, I couldn't watch it.

To be overly contrived or trying too hard to be funny.

His attempts at humor were totally cringe.