窄める

Etymology 1
The transitive form of, from the adjective + verb suffix.

Root stem is semantically and phonetically similar to root  (a pucker or wrinkle; see ).

Verb

 * 1) to make something become tapered, pulled together, scrunched up:
 * 2) to shut or fold (an umbrella)
 * 3) to shrug (one's shoulders)
 * 4) to pucker or purse (one's lips)

Usage notes
and are mostly identical, differing in connotation:  implies bringing together or scrunching up something that was broad and spreading, as in cloth or one's mouth; whereas  implies closing down or narrowing something that was open wide, as an umbrella. This distinction is minor, however.

Etymology 2
The transitive form of, probably as a shift from influenced by  / , ultimately from root  (a container, a vessel)　+ verb suffix : see.

Verb

 * 1) to narrow something, to scrunch something up:
 * 2) to shut or fold (an umbrella)
 * 3) to shrug (one's shoulders)
 * 4) to pucker or purse (one's lips)

Usage notes
and are mostly identical, differing in connotation:  implies bringing together or scrunching up something that was broad and spreading, as in cloth or one's mouth; whereas  implies closing down or narrowing something that was open wide, as an umbrella. This distinction is minor, however.