cringing
Pronunciation:
/ˈkɹɪndʒɪŋ/verb
Definitions
To shrink, cower, tense or recoil, as in fear, disgust or embarrassment.
Example: He cringed as the bird collided with the window.
To bow or crouch in servility.
To contract; to draw together; to cause to shrink or wrinkle; to distort.
noun
Definitions
Act of one who cringes.
Example: the servile bowings and cringings of courtiers