shrink

Definition

To cause to become smaller.

Etymology

From Middle English schrynken, from Old English sċrincan, from Proto-Germanic *skrinkwaną. Cognate with Dutch schrinken (“to shrink”). The sense “psychologist, psychotherapist” is a clipping of head-shrinker.

Example Sentences

• "The dryer shrank my sweater."
• "The bottom line is this: To shrink your gut, you need to start listening to it."
• "This garment will shrink when wet."