ENGLISH
REFERENCE

shrinks

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈʃɹɪŋks// UK //ʃɹˈɪŋks// shrinks

n. an informal name for doctors who treat mental health, like psychologists or psychiatrists. It comes from the idea of 'shrinking' someone's head or problems.

n. a slang or highly informal term for a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. Often carries a slightly irreverent or cynical tone regarding the profession.


SIMPLE

He sees one of the best shrinks in the city.

CONTEXTUAL

After months of stress, she decided it was finally time to talk to one of those expensive shrinks.

COMPLEX

The protagonist's frequent visits to various shrinks serve as a narrative device to explore his internal monologue and repressed childhood memories.

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