すくむ

Frequency rank: 20,615. – 20,704. (for form 竦む: 14,607. – 14,650.)

Godan verb with 'mu' ending; intransitive verb

to freeze (from fear, etc.); to be unable to move (e.g. from surprise); to be paralyzed (with horror, etc.)word usually written using kana alone
to cower; to shrink in on oneselfword usually written using kana alone

Forms

すくむFrequency rank: 20,615. – 20,704.
竦む【すくむ】Frequency rank: 14,607. – 14,650.

Generated definitions (experimental)

to freeze (from fear, etc.); to be unable to move (e.g. from surprise); to be paralyzed (with horror, etc.)

This meaning refers to a state where an individual cannot move due to intense emotions like fear or surprise.

。

He froze and couldn't move at the sudden loud voice.

。

She was completely paralyzed with fear at the ending of the movie.

to cower; to shrink in on oneself

This meaning indicates a posture of retreat or defensiveness, typically due to fear or anxiety.

。

The child cowered in the corner at the sound of thunder.

、。

He always shrinks in on himself when speaking in front of people.

Generated collocations (experimental)

to freeze (from fear, etc.)to freeze in surpriseto freeze in fearto feel paralyzedようa feeling of being paralyzedto freeze in an instantfroze for a momentto cower in feara frozen expressionunable to freeze

Wiktionary definitions (experimental)

Wiktionary

Example sentences

5 results

1. 。

She froze at the sight of the big spider.

Tatoeba

2. 。

She froze at the sight of the bear.

Tatoeba

3. 。

I was scared at the mere thought of it.

Tatoeba

4. 。

I froze at the sight of the snake.

Tatoeba

5. 。

Snakes are said to mesmerize small animals and birds.

Tatoeba

すくむ

Frequency rank: 20,615. – 20,704. (for form 竦む: 14,607. – 14,650.)

Godan verb with 'mu' ending; intransitive verb

to freeze (from fear, etc.); to be unable to move (e.g. from surprise); to be paralyzed (with horror, etc.)word usually written using kana alone
to cower; to shrink in on oneselfword usually written using kana alone

Forms