encolhem-se

[ẽ-ko-ˈʎẽ-sə]

verb

shrink, shrug, curl up

1. to become smaller in size; to contract or reduce in volume

The fabric encolhem-se when washed in hot water

O tecido encolhe-se quando lavado em água quente

2. to shrug one's shoulders; to raise shoulders as a gesture of indifference or uncertainty

He encolhem-se when asked about the decision

Ele encolhe-se quando perguntado sobre a decisão

3. to curl up or draw oneself inward; to huddle

The child encolhem-se in the corner, scared

A criança encolhe-se no canto, assustada

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

encolhem-se

standard usage in Brazilian Portuguese

Portugal

encolhem-se

standard usage in European Portuguese

encolher-se de ombros - to shrug one's shoulders

encolher-se de frio - to curl up from cold

encolher-se de medo - to cower in fear

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