Shrink

Definition

Shrink refers to the action of becoming or making something smaller in size, number, or extent, or it can also refer to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʃrɪŋk/
• Respelling: SHRINK (with "SH" as in "shy," "R" as in "red," "I" as in "bit," and "NK" as in "link")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʃrɪŋk/
• Respelling: SHRINK (similar to American English, with "SH" as in "shy," "R" as in "red," "I" as in "bit," and "NK" as in "link")

In both dialects, "shrink" starts with the "sh" sound followed by a rolled or smooth "r" sound, then the short "i" sound, and ending with the "nk" sound. The primary stress is on the entire word, as it is also monosyllabic.

Etymology

The word "shrink" originates from Old English scrincan (past tense scranc, past participle scruncen), from Proto-Germanic *skrinkwaną (to shrink), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (to turn, bend).

Derivatives

• Shrinkage
• Shrinkable
• Shrinking

Synonyms

Verb

• Contract
• Diminish

Noun

• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist

Antonyms

Verb

• Expand
• Enlarge

Usage

"Shrink" is a term used both as a verb to denote the act of reducing in size, and as a noun to informally refer to a mental health professional like a psychologist or psychiatrist. It's used in various contexts, both casually and professionally.

Related Terms

• Contraction
• Reduction
• Diminution

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Becoming Smaller in Size, Number, or Extent: When something diminishes in its physical size, number or extent, often due to external factors like cold or heat.
• Example: The fabric will shrink if washed in hot water.

• Making Something Smaller: Actively reducing the size, number, or extent of something.
• Example: She managed to shrink the file size without losing quality.

Noun

• Psychologist or Psychiatrist: An informal term for a mental health professional.
• Example: I have an appointment with my shrink tomorrow.