# squirm

/ˈskwɝm/ (US) · /skwˈɜːm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/squirm
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to twist the body

verb · CEFR B2

to twist your body from side to side, often because you are nervous, bored, or uncomfortable.

For teachers: to twist the body with small, restless movements. Often used to describe physical discomfort or a child's inability to sit still.

- The little boy began to squirm in his seat after the long movie started.
- The toddler continued to squirm in his high chair, frustrated by the restrictive straps and the delay in his meal.

### 2. to feel embarrassed

verb · CEFR B2

to feel very embarrassed or ashamed, making you want to hide or move away.

For teachers: to experience or show intense mental discomfort, particularly due to shame, guilt, or embarrassment.

- The memory of that awkward mistake made him squirm with embarrassment.
- She felt herself squirm under the teacher's silent gaze as the rest of the class waited for her answer.

### 3. to avoid a question

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to try to avoid answering a difficult question or dealing with a problem.

For teachers: to attempt to escape or evade a difficult situation, question, or responsibility through verbal maneuvering.

- The politician tried to squirm out of answering the reporter's direct question.
- Despite the lawyer's aggressive questioning, the witness managed to squirm through the cross-examination without admitting any liability.

## Examples

- The little boy began to squirm when the doctor touched his arm.
- She could feel the heat of the room and started to squirm in her seat as the interview questions became more difficult.
- The witness squirmed under the prosecutor's relentless questioning, clearly struggling to maintain a composed facade while the evidence against him mounted.

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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.