cringing
UK: ˈkrɪndʒɪŋ | US: ˈkrɪndʒɪŋ
adj. showing embarrassment or awkwardness, often with a physical recoil
v. (present participle of cringe) to shrink back in fear or servility
The root cringe derives from Old English cringan, meaning "to bend, yield, or fall in battle," reflecting physical or emotional withdrawal. Over time, it evolved to describe a submissive or embarrassed reaction, often accompanied by a literal or figurative "bending" away. The -ing suffix marks its present participle form, indicating an ongoing action or state.
His cringing posture revealed his discomfort during the speech.
She couldn’t watch the awkward scene without cringing.
The dog was cringing in fear after the loud fireworks.
His cringing apology failed to convince anyone.
The audience’s cringing reactions showed the joke fell flat.