shrivels up
Becomes small, wrinkled
Shrivels up means to shrink and wrinkle, becoming dry and withered.
Fruit shrivels up when left too long; skin shrivels up from prolonged water exposure.
The phrase often describes gradual deterioration: The plant shriveled up in the heat.
Figuratively, something can shrivel up from neglect or fear: His confidence shriveled up under their criticism.
- dehydrateRemove water from
- dries outLoses liquid content
- witherDry and decay
- dies on the vineFails from neglect
- fadeLose intensity gradually
pucker · wilts · shrink · curls up · wrinkle · parches · desiccates · contract · folds in · mummify · collapses · crumple · sags · atrophy · wastes away · deflate · droops · dry up
shrivel, shrivels, shriveled, shrivelled, shriveling, shrivelling