squirm
[ skwurm ]
/ skwɜrm /
verb (used without object)
to wriggle or writhe.
to feel or display discomfort or distress, as from reproof, embarrassment, pain, etc.: He squirmed under the judge's questioning.
noun
the act of squirming; a squirming or wriggling movement.
Origin of squirm
First recorded in 1685–95; of expressive orig., perhaps echoing
worm
OTHER WORDS FROM squirm
squirm·er, noun squirm·ing·ly, adverb un·squirm·ing, adjectiveWords nearby squirm
squirearch,
squirearchy,
squiredom,
squireen,
squireling,
squirm,
squirmy,
squirrel,
squirrel away,
squirrel cage,
squirrel corn
Example sentences from the Web for squirmed
British Dictionary definitions for squirmed
squirm
/ (skwɜːm) /
verb (intr)
to move with a wriggling motion; writhe
to feel deep mental discomfort, guilt, embarrassment, etc
noun
a squirming movement
Derived forms of squirm
squirmer, noun squirming, adjective squirmingly, adverbWord Origin for squirm
C17: of imitative origin (perhaps influenced by
worm)