The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CONTRACT
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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More clues leading to the result CONTRACT
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "shrink" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shrink = contract.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CONTRACT mean?
CONTRACT noun- An agreement between two or more parties, to perform a specific job or work order, often temporary or of fixed duration and usually governed by a written agreement.
- An agreement which the law will enforce in some way. A legally binding contract must contain at least one promise, i.e., a commitment or offer, by an offeror to and accepted by an offeree to do something in the future. A contract is thus executory rather than executed.
- A part of legal studies dealing with laws and jurisdiction related to contracts.
- An order, usually given to a hired assassin, to kill someone.
- The declarer's undertaking to win the number of tricks bid with a stated suit as trump.
- Contracted; affianced; betrothed.
- Not abstract; concrete.
- To draw together or nearer; to shorten, narrow, or lessen.
- (grammar) To shorten by omitting a letter or letters or by reducing two or more vowels or syllables to one.
- To enter into a contract with.
- To enter into, with mutual obligations; to make a bargain or covenant for.
- To make an agreement or contract; to covenant; to agree; to bargain.
- To bring on; to incur; to acquire.
- To gain or acquire (an illness).
- To draw together so as to wrinkle; to knit.
- To betroth; to affiance.