How Do You Spell SHRINK BACK?

Pronunciation: [ʃɹˈɪŋk bˈak] (IPA)

The phrase "shrink back" refers to the act of withdrawing or retreating in fear or hesitation. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ʃrɪŋk bæk/. The initial sound is represented by the symbol "ʃ" which is the voiceless alveolo-palatal sibilant. The following sound is represented by the letters "rɪŋk", which consist of the voiced alveolar approximant "r", the unvoiced velar plosive "k", and the vowel sound "ɪ" which is pronounced as a short "i". The final sound is represented by "bæk" which includes the voiced bilabial plosive "b", the vowel sound "æ", and the unvoiced velar plosive "k".

SHRINK BACK Meaning and Definition

  1. To "shrink back" is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of withdrawing, retreating, or pulling away in fear, apprehension, or reluctance. It typically denotes a physical or emotional response to a stimulus that causes discomfort, uncertainty, danger, or intimidation.

    When used in a physical sense, "shrink back" implies moving backward or recoiling involuntarily. For example, one might shrink back when faced with a sudden loud noise, a threatening gesture, or an unexpected movement. This reaction is often instinctual and automatic, originating from a self-protective or self-preserving nature.

    In an emotional context, "shrink back" refers to a psychological response characterized by hesitation, avoidance, or timidity. This can be observed when an individual hesitates to engage in a challenging task, steers clear of confrontation or disagreement, or recoils from an unfamiliar or uncomfortable situation due to fear, lack of confidence, or anxiety.

    The expression "shrink back" can also be used metaphorically to describe a person's reluctance or hesitation in expressing their beliefs, opinions, or desires openly. This may stem from a fear of rejection, judgment, criticism, or simply a preference for maintaining a low profile.

    Overall, "shrink back" encapsulates the idea of a reflexive or voluntary withdrawal from something perceived as threatening, undesirable, or overwhelming, whether it be physical, emotional, or social in nature.

Common Misspellings for SHRINK BACK

  • ahrink back
  • zhrink back
  • xhrink back
  • dhrink back
  • ehrink back
  • whrink back
  • sgrink back
  • sbrink back
  • snrink back
  • sjrink back
  • surink back
  • syrink back
  • sheink back
  • shdink back
  • shfink back
  • shtink back
  • sh5ink back
  • sh4ink back
  • shrunk back

Etymology of SHRINK BACK

The word "shrink" comes from the Middle English "schrinken", which can be traced back to the Old English "scrincan". This Old English word has cognates in various Germanic languages, such as the Middle Low German "schrinken" and the Old Norse "skrekka". These Germanic origins are believed to have derived from the Proto-Germanic root word "skrinkaną", meaning "to shrink, creep, or crawl".

The additional element "back" is a preposition indicating movement in the opposite direction or withdrawal. When combined with "shrink", the phrase "shrink back" refers to the act of physically or metaphorically recoiling or retreating. This phrase typically implies a reaction of fear, hesitation, or aversion.

Idioms with the word SHRINK BACK

  • shrink back To recoil or retreat in fear, hesitation, or trepidation.

Similar spelling words for SHRINK BACK

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: