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scrunch up

B1 informal separable both
In simple words

To crush or squeeze something tightly together, like squeezing a piece of paper into a ball, or squinting your eyes really tight

Literal meaning: To scrunch (compress tightly) something up — fairly transparent

Meanings

1 B1 informal

To crush or compress paper, fabric, or a similar material into a tight, wrinkled ball or shape

"He read the rejection letter once, then scrunched it up and threw it in the bin."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To tighten or contract the muscles of the face or another body part, especially in response to an unpleasant sensation

"She scrunched up her nose at the smell coming from the bin."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 informal

To make oneself small by curling or compressing one's body into a tight space

"The children scrunched up together on the back seat to make room for the dog."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Used for physical objects like paper and also for facial expressions and body language (scrunching up your nose, eyes, or face). Can also be used reflexively — 'he scrunched himself up'. Common in both British and American English.

Commonly used with

paper face eyes nose body foil

Forms

Base
scrunch up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scrunches up
he/she/it
Past simple
scrunched up
yesterday
Past participle
scrunched up
have + pp
-ing form
scrunching up
continuous

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Synonyms

crumple up screw up squeeze up compact scrunch together crush

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