Cringe Meaning and Examples

The meaning of the word 'cringe' is to experience embarrassment, discomfort, or revulsion at something awkward, embarrassing, or unpleasant.

When to use it

People use 'cringe' when they witness or experience something that is so awkward, embarrassing or uncomfortable that it makes them feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. This could be related to something someone said, did, or is just generally awkward or cringeworthy. It is often used in popular culture to describe something that is awkward or embarrassing in a humorous or sarcastic way.

Example sentences

The sound of nails on a chalkboard makes me cringe.
I cringe every time I remember the embarrassing thing I did yesterday.
The thought of public speaking makes me cringe with fear.
When I saw the blood, I couldn't help but cringe in disgust.
The cheesy pick-up line made me cringe.
I cringe at the thought of eating sushi.
Watching a horror movie alone makes me cringe with anxiety.
The smell of spoiled milk made me cringe in revulsion.
I cringe whenever I think about my past mistakes.
Seeing someone else's bad haircut made me cringe with sympathy.

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