squirm

[ skwurm ]

verb (used without object)

1. to wriggle or writhe.

   Synonyms: twist, turn

2. to feel or display discomfort or distress, as from reproof, embarrassment, pain, etc.:

   He squirmed under the judge's questioning.

noun

1. the act of squirming; a squirming or wriggling movement.

squirm

/ skwɜːm /

verb

1. to move with a wriggling motion; writhe
2. to feel deep mental discomfort, guilt, embarrassment, etc

noun

1. a squirming movement

Derived Forms

• ˈsquirmer, noun
• ˈsquirming, adjective
• ˈsquirmingly, adverb

Other Words From

• squirmer noun
• squirming·ly adverb
• un·squirming adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of squirm¹

First recorded in 1685–95; of expressive origin, perhaps echoing worm

Word History and Origins

Origin of squirm¹

C17: of imitative origin (perhaps influenced by worm )

Example Sentences

An hour later, I returned and learned that more than a few classmates had felt as I did but hadn't done much more than squirm.

From Salon

At times, she squirmed, and seemed to tie herself in knots.

From BBC

Batchelor gave the hosts a deserved lead in the 18th minute of a captivating tie, as he stretched out to finish after squirming free of two tacklers.

From BBC

"The Substance will get you thinking, talking and squirming," added Rolling Stone's Anna Smith.

From BBC

Officer A said things had got worse since the Casey report publication, saying "we can’t talk about racism without them squirming and seeing us as the problem."

From BBC

Related Words

• flounder
• writhe