1. to shorten; to reduce; to condense; to shrink
もっと距離を縮めないと。I need to close the distance more.
2. to crumple (fabric); to wrinkle
3. to make (one's body) smaller; to draw in (one's legs); to duck (one's head)
エレンは身を縮めながらも嫌とは言わなかった。Ellen shrank back but did not say no.