Definitions

1. noun

an act of feeling embarrassed or nauseated by something considered to be of poor quality, tasteless, or awkward

“The movie’s awkward dialogue made me feel a strong cringe.”

2. verb

to feel embarrassed or nauseated by something considered to be of poor quality, tasteless, or awkward

“Watching the trainwreck of a TV show made me cringe at its poor acting.”

3. verb

to make someone feel embarrassed or nauseated by something considered to be of poor quality, tasteless, or awkward

“The comedian’s off-color joke made the audience cringe.”