shrug Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a gesture involving the shoulders
  2. verb raise one's shoulders to indicate indifference or resignation

WordNet

Shrug transitive verb
Etymology
Probably akin to shrink, p. p. shrunk; cf. Dan. skrugge, skrukke, to stoop, dial. Sw. skrukka, skruga, to crouch.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Shrugged ; present participle & verbal noun Shrugging
Definitions
  1. To draw up or contract (the shoulders), especially by way of expressing dislike, dread, doubt, or the like.
    He shrugs his shoulders when you talk of securities. Addison.
Shrug intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To raise or draw up the shoulders, as in expressing dislike, dread, doubt, or the like.
    They grin, they shrug. They bow, they snarl, they snatch, they hug. Swift.
Shrug noun
Definitions
  1. A drawing up of the shoulders, -- a motion usually expressing dislike, dread, or doubt.
    The Spaniards talk in dialogues Of heads and shoulders, nods and shrugs. Hudibras.

Webster 1913