shrink

Shrink is a colloquial term for a psychiatrist or psychologist in American English. It is often used in casual conversation and in popular media. The origin is uncertain, but it is commonly linked to the notion of “headshrinker,” a humorous reference to therapy as a process of reducing or shaping a person’s ego or mind. The term remains informal and is not used in formal clinical contexts.

As a verb, shrink means to become smaller in size or to cause something to do so. Common examples include clothing that shrinks after washing or fabrics that shrink with heat. In business and retail, shrinkage refers to the loss of inventory due to theft, damage, or obsolescence, a use that highlights the gap between recorded stock and actual stock.

In packaging and manufacturing, shrink wrap is a plastic film that contracts when heat is applied, forming a tight seal around an object. This method protects products for storage and shipping and is widely used across various industries.

In arts and media, "Shrink" has been used as a title for various works, including films, television episodes, and songs. The term also features in discussions of therapy and psychology within popular culture, contributing to its broad, cross-domain presence.

See also: shrinkage, shrinking.