Answer: squinching

AnswerCrossword Clue
squinchingCrouch down in order to make oneself seem smaller or to occupy less space
squinchingTense up the muscles of (one's eyes or face)
squinching(of a person's eyes) Narrow so as to be almost closed, typically in reaction to strong light
squinchingSQUINCH, to squint (to look with the eyes partly closed)