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shrug

Syllabification: (shrug)
Pronunciation: /SHrəg/

Translate shrug | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of shrug

verb (shrugs, shrugging, shrugged)

[with object]
  • raise (one’s shoulders) slightly and momentarily to express doubt, ignorance, or indifference:Jimmy looked inquiringly at Pete, who shrugged his shoulders [no object]:he just shrugged and didn’t look interested
  • (shrug something off) dismiss something as unimportant:the managing director shrugged off the criticism

noun

  • 1an act or instance of shrugging one’s shoulders:she gave him a dismissive shrug
  • 2a woman’s close-fitting cardigan or jacket, cut short at the front and back so that only the arms and shoulders are covered.

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'fidget'): of unknown origin

shrug in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of shrug in the British & World English dictionary