The difference between Grow and Shrink

When used as verbs, grow means to become bigger, whereas shrink means to cause to become smaller.


Shrink is also noun with the meaning: shrinkage.

check bellow for the other definitions of Grow and Shrink

  1. Grow as a verb (ergative):

    To become bigger.

    Examples:

    "Children grow quickly."

  2. Grow as a verb (intransitive):

    To appear or sprout.

    Examples:

    "Flowers grew on the trees as summer approached."

    "A long tail began to grow from his backside."

  3. Grow as a verb (transitive):

    To cause or allow something to become bigger, especially to cultivate plants.

    Examples:

    "He grows peppers and squash each summer in his garden."

    "Have you ever grown your hair before?"

  4. Grow as a verb (copulative):

    To assume a condition or quality over time.

    Examples:

    "The boy grew wise as he matured."

    "The town grew smaller and smaller in the distance as we travelled."

    "You have grown strong."

  5. Grow as a verb (intransitive, obsolete):

    To become attached or fixed; to adhere.

  1. Shrink as a verb (transitive):

    To cause to become smaller.

    Examples:

    "The dryer shrank my sweater."

  2. Shrink as a verb (intransitive):

    To become smaller; to contract.

    Examples:

    "This garment will shrink when wet."

  3. Shrink as a verb (intransitive):

    To cower or flinch.

    Examples:

    "Molly shrank away from the blows of the whip."

  4. Shrink as a verb (transitive):

    To draw back; to withdraw.

  5. Shrink as a verb (intransitive, figuratively):

    To withdraw or retire, as from danger.

  6. Shrink as a verb (intransitive):

    To move back or away, especially because of fear or disgust.

  1. Shrink as a noun:

    Shrinkage; contraction; recoil.

  2. Shrink as a noun (slang, sometimes, pejorative):

    A psychiatrist or psychotherapist.

    Examples:

    "You need to see a shrink."

    "My shrink said that he was an enabler, bad for me."

    "synonyms: head-shrinker"

  3. Shrink as a noun (uncountable, business):

    Loss of inventory, for example due to shoplifting or not selling items before their expiration date.