Made yourself fearfully small? (7)

I believe the answer is:

cowered

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'made' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with motion as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cowered that I've seen before include "Cringed" , "looked fearful" , "Showed fear" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent and The Globe and Mail.

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