phraseshrink back shrink back to move back and away from something or someone, especially because you are frightened or you do not want them to touch you+ against"Well?" the teacher asked in a voice that made all four of her students shrink back against the wall.+ intoAs the men neared her hiding place, Tilly shrank back into the shadows.
shrink back
To recede or recoil. The way the gums are shrinking back from your teeth is a clear sign of gingivitis.The child shrank back when we approached the house.
shrink back
v.
To draw back instinctively, as in alarm; recoil: The dog shrank back in fear when I raised my hand.