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

SYNONYMS FOR squirm

1 turn, twist.

OTHER WORDS FROM squirm

squirm·er, noun squirm·ing·ly, adverb un·squirm·ing, adjective

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, adverb

Word Origin for squirm

C17: of imitative origin (perhaps influenced by worm)