verb
squirm
skwurm
verb
1
To twist and wriggle the body, like a worm or snake.
"The toddler squirmed on her mother's lap."
"The fish squirmed as he tried to unhook it."
2
To feel or show discomfort, embarrassment, or awkwardness.
"He squirmed under the interviewer's tough questions."
noun
1
A wriggling, twisting movement.
"She gave a squirm to free herself from his grip."
How to Use Squirm
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo wriggle physically, or to feel awkward and uncomfortable, especially when put on the spot.
Common pairings
squirm with embarrassment
squirm out of
Word Forms
squirmed past tense, squirms plural, squirms singular
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Etymology
First recorded in the 1690s, originally describing eels; the deeper origin is uncertain.