squirmings
Restless bodily twists
Squirmings is the plural of squirming, the noun form of the verb squirm.
It refers to multiple instances or types of twisting, wriggling movements, typically made from discomfort, embarrassment, or an attempt to escape restraint.
The word captures both physical writhing and figurative unease: The squirmings of the toddler made diaper changes nearly impossible.
In abstract use, it can describe visible signs of psychological discomfort: His squirmings under cross-examination suggested he was hiding something.
Lack of grace or ease
- uneasinessMild persistent worry
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
- cringesRecoils from fear or embarrassment
- wincesFlinches from pain
flinches · recoils · shudders · disquiet · agitation · restlessness · self-consciousness · mortification
Sinuous twisting movements
- contortionsExtreme bodily bendings
- writhingsTwisting bodily movements
- twitchingsInvoluntary muscle movements
- wigglingsSmall squirming motions
twistings · flailings · thrashings · convulsions · spasms · jerks · shudders · undulations
Acts of evading
- wrigglingsSinuous twisting movements
- avoidancesActs of steering clear
- deflectionsForced changes in trajectory
- hedgingsCautious limiting of statements
equivocations · sidestepping · weaseling · shirking · ducking · maneuverings · excuses · prevarications
awkwardness
Lack of grace or ease
- uneasinessMild persistent worry
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
- cringesRecoils from fear or embarrassment
winces · flinches · recoils · shudders · disquiet · agitation · restlessness · self-consciousness · mortification · abashment
wrigglings
Sinuous twisting movements
- contortionsExtreme bodily bendings
- writhingsTwisting bodily movements
- twitchingsInvoluntary muscle movements
wigglings · twistings · flailings · thrashings · convulsions · spasms · jerks · shudders · undulations · gyrations
dodgings
Acts of evading
- wrigglingsSinuous twisting movements
- avoidancesActs of steering clear
- deflectionsForced changes in trajectory
hedgings · equivocations · sidestepping · weaseling · shirking · ducking · maneuverings · excuses · prevarications · backpedaling
squirmingsstillness
Complete lack of motion
motionlessness · immobility · repose · stasis · rigidity
squirmingscomposure
Emotional self-control
calm · equanimity · serenity · tranquility · poise