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

I started to squirm in my chair and Jimbo put his hand back on my shoulder to settle me down.

From The Daily Beast

Even with several judges on her payroll, Mandelbaum was not able to squirm out of the charges.

From The Daily Beast

His relationship with ex-wife Effi Barry is squirm-inducing.

From The Daily Beast

The negotiator added that she told him she “liked to watch them squirm around after they had been shot.”

From The Daily Beast

Moments like these could cause ticket-buyers to squirm or, perhaps, reflect on their own capacity to overlook and forgive.

From The Daily Beast

He was losing hold of himself, and roaring like a bull and flinging out taunts that made 'em squirm.

From Project Gutenberg

She sat down to compose a letter which should make Mr. Robert Ross, alias wretch, squirm in agony.

From Project Gutenberg

I was afraid of my life he would clutch at my skirts as he fell or squirm up against me after he was down.

From Project Gutenberg

Whereupon Andy smoked relishfully and in silence, and from the tail of his eye watched his audience squirm with impatience.

From Project Gutenberg

He tried to withdraw the key, but now Macklin began to squirm worse than ever, and he had hard work to master the fellow.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• flounder
• writhe