shrivel

3 definitions • 4 examples

to become dry, smaller, and covered with lines as if by crushing or folding, or to make something do this:

The lack of rain has shrivelled the crops.

You ought to pick that lettuce before it shrivels (up) and dies.

to become much smaller than is needed or wanted:

Profits are shrivelling as the recession gets worse.

to become dried out and smaller, appearing crushed or folded, or to make something do this:

[ T ] The hot sun shriveled the flowers I put in the window.