shrink away
Retreat in fear
To shrink away is to draw back or recoil from something unpleasant, frightening, or unwanted.
The movement suggests both physical withdrawal and emotional reluctance: She shrank away from his touch.
Someone might shrink away from confrontation, responsibility, or anything that provokes discomfort or fear.
- draw backRetreat or flinch
- back offStop pressing someone
- step backCreate distance, literally/figuratively
- winceReflexive recoil from distress
- flinchInvoluntary retreat from threat
recoil · cringe · retreat · turn tail · backpedal · withdraw · reluctance · blench · trepidation · timidity · get cold feet · sidestep · skulk · cower · close up · apprehension · falter · recede
shrink awayapproach
Way of handling something
advance · draw near · come forward · step forward · lean in
shrink awaystand firm
Refuse to retreat
confront · face · embrace · stand one's ground · hold fast
shrink awaystep up
Increase or advance
assert oneself · come forward · engage · reach out · embrace
shrink, away, shrinks, shrank, shrunk, shrunken, shrinking, shrinkage, shrinker