Definition of cringe

• v. t. - To draw one's self together as in fear or servility; to bend or crouch with base humility; to wince; hence; to make court in a degrading manner; to fawn.
• v. t. - To contract; to draw together; to cause to shrink or wrinkle; to distort.
• n. - Servile civility; fawning; a shrinking or bowing, as in fear or servility.