C1verb2K

Shrink

UK /["/ʃrɪŋk/","/ʃrɪŋks/","/ʃræŋk/","/ʃrʌŋk/","/ˈʃrɪŋkɪŋ/"]/US /["/ʃrɪŋk/","/ʃrɪŋks/","/ʃræŋk/","/ʃrʌŋk/","/ˈʃrɪŋkɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to become smaller, especially when washed in water that is too hot; to make clothes, cloth, etc. smaller in this way

In simple words: to make something smaller or to become smaller

Examples

  • If you wash that sweater in hot water, it will shrink.
  • Many companies have had to shrink their workforce due to budget cuts.
  • The company tried to shrink its product line to focus on bestsellers.
  • When exposed to heat, the plastic will shrink and become deformed.
  • After several washings, the cotton shirt began to shrink noticeably.
  • The population of the town is expected to shrink over the next decade.
  • He started to shrink from social gatherings after moving to a new city.
  • As the material cooled, it did not shrink as much as predicted.

Usage notes

Use 'shrink' when talking about clothes getting smaller after washing or when describing anything reducing in size. Avoid using it in very formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

shrink + object

Memory hint

Think of a sweater 'shrinking' in the wash and getting tighter.

Collocations

  • considerably
  • dramatically
  • significantly
  • by
  • from
  • to
  • shrink in size
  • a little
  • visibly
  • instinctively
  • try to
  • against
  • in
  • into

Synonyms

  • cower

Antonyms

  • expand
  • grow
  • inflate

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'shrank' as the past tense — remember 'shrunk' is the past participle.
  • Using 'shrink' incorrectly with inanimate objects that can't physically shrink.
  • Mixing up 'shrink' with 'squeeze' — they have different meanings.