Real Dictionary

cringe
verb: If you cringe at something, you feel embarrassed or disgusted, and perhaps show this feeling in your expression or by making a slight movement.

cringe in American English
the act of cringing
to draw back, bend, crouch, etc., as when afraid; shrink from something dangerous or painful
intransitive verb: to shrink, bend, or crouch, esp. in fear or servility; cower
noun: servile or fawning deference

cringe in British English
to shrink or flinch, esp in fear or servility
noun: the act of cringing