Pronunciation: [ʃɹˈɪvəlɪŋ ˈʌp] (IPA) 
The word "shriveling up" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈʃrɪvəlɪŋ/ + /ʌp/. The first part of the word, "shriveling," is pronounced with a short "i" sound, like in the word "bit," and a stress on the second syllable. The second part, "up," is pronounced with a short "u" sound, like in the word "hut." Together, the word means to become smaller, wrinkled or withered due to loss of moisture or old age.
The term "shriveling up" refers to the process of becoming noticeably smaller, thinner, or wrinkled due to loss of moisture or vitality. It is commonly used to describe the physical transformation of an object, organism, or bodily part that experiences dehydration, decay, or aging.
In a literal sense, "shriveling up" can describe the withering or drying out of various things. For instance, a piece of fruit left untouched over time might lose its moisture, causing it to shrink, lose firmness, and appear wrinkled. Similarly, a plant deprived of water or proper care may exhibit signs of wilting, leading to the leaves curling inwards and the overall plant structure collapsing. In both cases, the loss of water or essential nutrients causes the objects to gradually lose their previous shape and texture.
Metaphorically, "shriveling up" can also reference a person or entity losing vitality, spirit, or strength. This can be observed in individuals experiencing significant physical or emotional stress. Under such circumstances, a person may appear diminished, lacking energy, and exhibiting a general lack of enthusiasm towards life. Additionally, it can describe the decline of an organization or a relationship as it loses vibrancy, productivity, or relevance over time.
Overall, "shriveling up" encompasses the visual image of something gradually contracting, losing substance, and becoming less robust, regardless of whether it pertains to a physical or metaphorical context.
The word "shriveling up" is a combination of the verb "shrivel" and the particle "up".
The word "shrivel" has its roots in Old English, derived from the word "screofa" meaning "shriveled". It can also be traced back to the Middle High German word "schrumpfen", meaning "to shrink" or "to contract".
The particle "up" is used as an intensifier in this case. It adds emphasis to the action of shriveling, suggesting a more intense or complete reducing in size, typically due to dehydration or deterioration.
Overall, the etymology of "shriveling up" can be traced back to Old English and Middle High German, reflecting the concept of contraction or shrinking with added emphasis.
