Cringed

Cringed is the past tense of 'cringe,' which refers to the act of reacting to something unpleasant, embarrassing, or uncomfortable by recoiling, flinching, or drawing back. It can also describe a psychological response to humiliation or fear. Cringing may signal vulnerability or discomfort and is often expressed through physical gestures or facial expressions that convey distress towards a situation or remark.

Cringed meaning with examples

• When she heard the teacher's scathing comment about her project, she cringed, feeling a flush of embarrassment wash over her. The classroom seemed to close in around her, and she wished she could disappear into the floor. Despite her initial response, she reminded herself that feedback, even if harsh, was a part of learning. Taking a deep breath, she resolved to use the critique to improve in the future, even as the sting of the moment lingered in her mind.
• As he watched the old home video, he cringed at the sight of his awkward teenage self, complete with an ill-fitting haircut and an embarrassing fashion sense. Each cringeworthy moment played out in vivid detail, causing him to laugh and shake his head in disbelief. He appreciated how far he had come since then but felt a strange mixture of nostalgia and shame. The video was a reminder of growth and change, even if it was hard to watch at times.
• During the presentation, when an unexpected and inappropriate joke slipped from his lips, he cringed internally. Silence filled the room, and he could feel the weight of judgment from his colleagues. Desperately trying to recover, he cleared his throat and pushed forward with his slides. Yet, the memory of the joke haunted him, a stark reminder of how crucial it was to maintain professionalism. That moment would linger, shaping his approach in future presentations.
• As her friend began to recount a particularly mortifying incident from their high school days, she cringed, bracing herself for the details. The tale, filled with awkward moments and teenage folly, felt too close for comfort. Still, they both erupted in laughter, realizing that while the past was cringeworthy, it also provided the foundation for their close friendship. Cringing at the memory became shared laughter, illustrating how time softens even the most uncomfortable embarrassment.