The term 'shrinks back' can be described by the crossword solutions QUAILS (6 letters), shies (5 letters), RECOILS (7 letters), ebbs (4 letters), CRINGES (7 letters), and resiles (7 letters). Quailing is a behavior in which an animal, such as a quail, crouches down and tucks its head into its body as a sign of fear or submission. Shying is a similar behavior in which an animal or person moves away from something due to fear or apprehension. Recoiling is a reflexive action in which a person or animal jumps away from something due to fear or surprise. Ebbing is a gradual decrease in intensity or strength. Cringing is a behavior in which a person or animal shrinks away from something due to fear or embarrassment. Resiling is a behavior in which a person or animal moves away from something due to fear or shock. All of these behaviors are indicative of shrinking back in response to fear or apprehension.