すくむ

す

く

む

Freq.FrequencyTop 100,000

Meanings

1

godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb

freeze; be paralyzed; be unable to move

usually written using kana alone

Describes a sudden involuntary physical reaction to strong emotion such as fear, shock, or horror. Often used with 怖くて, 驚いて, or similar expressions.

突とつ然ぜんの大おおきな音おとに、猫ねこはすくんで動うごけなくなった。

The cat froze and couldn't move at the sudden loud noise.

2

godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb

cower; shrink back; shrink in on oneself

usually written using kana alone

Emphasizes a shrinking or cowering posture, often from fear or intimidation. Can be used for both physical and psychological withdrawal.

すくむUsage80%
Usually written in kana; the kanji form 竦む is rare and may not be recognized by all readers.
竦すくむUsage20%
Rare kanji form; learners should use the kana spelling.

固かたまる
固まる means 'to stiffen' or 'to harden' and can also describe freezing from tension, but it is more general and can refer to physical solidification. すくむ specifically implies a shrinking or cowering freeze from fear or shock.
怯おびえる
怯える means 'to be frightened' or 'to be scared' and focuses on the emotional state, while すくむ describes the physical reaction of freezing or cowering.

The origin is uncertain. The kanji 竦 is rare and carries a meaning of 'crouch' or 'shrink', but the word is now almost always written in kana.