shrink back

Examples (10)

• The child shrank back from the barking dog.
• He instinctively shrank back when the stranger approached.
• She shrank back in horror at the gruesome sight.
• Seeing the snake, he shrank back against the wall.
• The sudden loud noise made her shrink back in her seat.
• He shrank back from the idea of public speaking.
• The witness shrank back when the lawyer asked a probing question.
• As the bully advanced, the smaller boy shrank back.
• She shrank back in her chair, trying to avoid eye contact.
• The character in the play shrank back as if struck.