The term 'shrank (from)' can be described by the crossword solutions DREADED, shied, LOATHED, and recoiled. To dread something is to feel extreme fear or apprehension towards it. To shy away from something is to avoid it due to fear or discomfort. To loathe something is to feel intense dislike or hatred towards it. To recoil from something is to draw back in fear or disgust. All of these words suggest that the term 'shrank (from)' means to move away from something due to fear, hatred, or disgust.