shrink back
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To move back because you are afraid, shocked, or don't want to do something.
Literal meaning: To shrink (become smaller) and move back — fairly transparent.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To move backward physically as a reaction to something frightening or unpleasant.
"She shrank back when the firework exploded just inches from her feet."
"He shrank back against the wall, his heart hammering."
— J.K. Rowling, 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' (1998)
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To be unwilling to act or become involved because of fear or reluctance.
"He had always wanted to express his feelings but kept shrinking back from the conversation."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Can be literal (physically stepping backward) or figurative (being unwilling to take action). Often followed by 'from': 'shrink back from a challenge'. Common in literary and descriptive writing.
Commonly used with
challenge responsibility horror flames conflict truth
Forms
Base
shrink back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shrinks back
he/she/it
Past simple
shrinked back
yesterday
Past participle
shrinked back
have + pp
-ing form
shrinking back
continuous
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