萎縮する

• Reading: いしゅくする
• Romaji: ishukusuru
• Kanji breakdown: 萎 (i) — wither, droop; 縮 (shuku) — shrink, contract
• Pronunciation: /i.ɕɯ.kɯ.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To shrink; to cower; to become inhibited or intimidated. Describes the physical and psychological contraction caused by fear, pressure, or excessive criticism.

A Group 3 (irregular suru) verb. In a medical or biological sense, 萎縮 refers to physical atrophy of tissue or organs. In everyday and psychological use, it describes a person becoming inhibited — unable to act freely because of pressure, fear of failure, or oppressive authority. The related noun 萎縮 is also common. Antonym: 伸び伸びとする (to act freely, to flourish).

Examples

1. 威圧的な上司の前では、優秀な社員でも萎縮してしまうことがある。 Even talented employees can become intimidated in the presence of an overbearing superior.
2. 厳しい批判を浴び続けた若い作家は次第に萎縮し、ペンを握れなくなった。 A young writer who was subjected to relentless harsh criticism gradually became inhibited and was unable to pick up a pen.
3. 権力者に萎縮するのではなく、毅然とした態度で臨むことが求められる。 Rather than cowering before those in power, one is expected to face them with a composed and resolute manner.

Usage Guide

Context: psychology, workplace, education, medicine

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From 萎縮 (ishuku): 萎 (i, to wither/droop) + 縮 (shuku, to shrink/contract). Both characters reinforce the meaning of something becoming smaller and weaker. The term is used in both biology and psychology.

Cultural Context

Era: Contemporary

Generation: All ages

Social background: General