godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb
freeze in one's seat; be unable to move while seated
Rare intransitive verb describing being paralyzed in a seated position due to fear, shock, or surprise. Often used in literary or dramatic contexts. Related to the more common 居すくまる (いすくまる).
See also: 居すくまる
突然の悲鳴に、彼はその場に居すくんでしまった。
At the sudden scream, he froze in his seat.
Overcome with fear, everyone remained frozen in their seats, unable to move.