Cringe away from a bully? (5)

I believe the answer is:

cower

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'cringe' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for cower that I've seen before include "Show abject fear" , "Quail" , "Crouch in fear" , "Cringe, grovel" , "Cringe, crouch" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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