shrinks

Reduces in size

Shrinks is the plural of shrink, a noun for a psychiatrist or psychologist: I've been seeing a shrink for years.

The term is mildly dismissive, suggesting skepticism about therapy or mental health treatment.

The word comes from "headshrinker," comparing the profession to tribal practices of shrinking enemies' heads.

As a verb form, shrinks means becomes smaller or contracts: The tumor shrinks with treatment, He shrinks from confrontation.

psychiatrist

therapist

Mental health practitioner

analystOne who examines systematically
psychoanalystUnconscious mind specialist
counselorOne who advises

Freud · Jung · couch · session · diagnosis · psychotherapy · medication · antidepressants · treatment · DSM

reduction

contracts

Enforceable written agreements

diminishesBecomes smaller or weaker
decreasesGrows smaller in amount
lessensMakes smaller in degree

compresses · condenses · narrows · shortens · deflates · constricts · dwindles · recedes · withers · shrivels

laundry

washing

Cleaning with liquid

cottonPlant fiber for textiles
fabricWoven or knit material
dryerAppliance removing moisture

wool · denim · jeans · sweater · fit · size · garment · clothing · textile · felting

fear

recoils

Draws back suddenly

flinchesInvoluntary recoil movements
cowersShrinks from fear
withdrawsPulls out or removes

retreats · winces · quails · blanches · hesitates · balks · avoids · cringing · timidity · intimidation

Categories

verbsjump, be, speak, wait, do
transformationschange, changes, transform, transforms, transformation
healthcare workersdoctor, nurse, surgeon, dentist, paramedic
curling upsnuggles, nestles, tucks, coils, balls up
falls offdrops, tumbles, slips, detaches, topples

Opposites

size change

shrinksexpands

Increases in volume

grows · enlarges · swells · inflates · stretches

quantity/amount change

shrinksincreases

Becomes greater in amount

grows · expands · escalates · multiplies · rises

PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSE (recoiling)

shrinksadvances

Forward movements or progress

approaches · confronts · faces · engages · embraces

Phrases

shrink wrapPlastic that seals tight
shrinking violetExtremely timid person
heat shrinkPolymer sleeve that contracts
shrink backWithdraw due to fear
shrink wrappingHeat-tightened plastic covering
shrink awayWithdraw from fear

Family

shrink, shrinking, shrinkage, shrinkable, unshrinking, shrinker, shrinking violet, shrinkers, shrink back

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G