The term 'shrank in fear' can be described by three crossword solutions: flinched (8 letters), quailed (7 letters), and COWERED (7 letters). Flinching is a reflexive action that occurs when a person is startled or scared. Quailing is an expression of fear or terror, usually accompanied by trembling or cowering. Cowering is a physical reaction to fear, where a person crouches down and shrinks away from the source of fear. All three words describe a person shrinking in fear in response to a frightening situation.