squirm
UK: /skwɜːm/ | US: /skwɜːrm/
vi. to twist the body in a wriggling motion, especially due to discomfort or nervousness
vi. to feel or show embarrassment or distress
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The word "squirm" likely originated in the late 17th century as an imitative or expressive formation, mimicking the sound or motion of wriggling. It may be related to Middle English "swirmen" (to swirl) or influenced by similar-sounding words like "worm," evoking the twisting movement of a worm. Its vivid, onomatopoeic quality makes it a compact descriptor for fidgety or uneasy motion.
The child began to squirm in his seat during the long lecture.
She couldn't help but squirm under her boss's intense scrutiny.
The fish squirmed out of his grasp and back into the water.
His awkward compliment made her squirm with embarrassment.
The puppy squirmed excitedly when its owner returned home.