Answer: cringe

AnswerCrossword Clue
CRINGE

Recoil in distaste

CRINGE

Reaction to an awkward moment

CRINGE

[awkward]

CRINGE
React with fright
CRINGE
Wince
CRINGE[That makes me so uncomfortable]
CRINGEQuail
CRINGEShrink
CRINGEFawn
CRINGECower.
CRINGEShrink.
CRINGEFawn.
CRINGEWince.
CRINGEReact to a "Curb Your Enthusiasm" bit, say
CRINGEShow fright
CRINGEShrink away
CRINGEShow fear
CRINGEBehave servilely
CRINGEDraw back
CRINGERecoil
CRINGERecoil in fear
CRINGECower
CRINGEShow fear, in a way
CRINGEShrink in fear
CRINGEReact to a Ricky Gervais bit, perhaps