adj
squeamish
SKWEE-mihsh
Squeamish (adj) means Easily disturbed, nauseated, or made uneasy, especially by unpleasant sights. Example: “He's too squeamish to watch surgery on TV.”
adj
1
Easily disturbed, nauseated, or made uneasy, especially by unpleasant sights.
"He's too squeamish to watch surgery on TV."
"She felt squeamish at the sight of blood."
2
Reluctant or uneasy about doing something.
"Investors grew squeamish about the risky deal."
How to use squeamish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEasily grossed out or made uneasy, especially by blood, gore, or unpleasant situations.
Common pairings
squeamish about
feel squeamish
not squeamish
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more squeamish
- Superlative
- most squeamish
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He's too _____ to watch surgery on TV.
Etymology
Origin uncertain, likely blending a Middle English word for "squeamish" with an old dialect word describing dizziness or faintness.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for squeamish
See all rhymes for squeamish →Frequently asked questions
What does “squeamish” mean?
The word “squeamish” means easily disturbed, nauseated, or made uneasy, especially by unpleasant sights. In plain terms, easily grossed out or made uneasy, especially by blood, gore, or unpleasant situations.
How do you pronounce “squeamish”?
“Squeamish” is pronounced SKWEE-mihsh (/ˈskwiːmɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “squeamish” in a sentence?
Here is “squeamish” used in a sentence: “He's too squeamish to watch surgery on TV.”
What part of speech is “squeamish”?
“Squeamish” is an adjective.
Where does the word “squeamish” come from?
The word “squeamish” comes from Middle English. Origin uncertain, likely blending a Middle English word for "squeamish" with an old dialect word describing dizziness or faintness.
How many meanings does “squeamish” have?
“Squeamish” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: easily disturbed, nauseated, or made uneasy, especially by unpleasant sights.
