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
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Grow as a verb (ergative):
To become bigger.
Examples:
"Children grow quickly."
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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."
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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?"
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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."
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Grow as a verb (intransitive, obsolete):
To become attached or fixed; to adhere.
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Shrink as a verb (transitive):
To cause to become smaller.
Examples:
"The dryer shrank my sweater."
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Shrink as a verb (intransitive):
To become smaller; to contract.
Examples:
"This garment will shrink when wet."
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Shrink as a verb (intransitive):
To cower or flinch.
Examples:
"Molly shrank away from the blows of the whip."
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Shrink as a verb (transitive):
To draw back; to withdraw.
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Shrink as a verb (intransitive, figuratively):
To withdraw or retire, as from danger.
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Shrink as a verb (intransitive):
To move back or away, especially because of fear or disgust.
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Shrink as a noun:
Shrinkage; contraction; recoil.
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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"
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Shrink as a noun (uncountable, business):
Loss of inventory, for example due to shoplifting or not selling items before their expiration date.