# squeamish

/ˈskwimɪʃ/ (US) · /skwˈiːmɪʃ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/squeamish
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

easily made to feel sick or upset by blood, injuries, or other unpleasant things. You use it when someone cannot watch or hear about such things without feeling ill.

For teachers: easily nauseated or upset by the sight of blood, wounds, or other unpleasant things. Extends to moral or emotional delicacy that makes a person reluctant to act.

## Examples

- She feels squeamish when she sees blood.
- The new nurse admits she feels squeamish during blood draws but stays calm for her patients.
- Even seasoned reporters, hardened to conflict, can grow squeamish when confronted with needless cruelty that no professional distance can soften.

## Usage notes

- Often follows linking verbs such as 'feel' or 'be'; commonly pairs with 'about' plus a noun or gerund.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.