Answer:
I think that cringe means that a response to embarrasement. But right now in this text I think this word means that they didn't want that to happen. Or they thought that was not good. Hopefully it's right. I mean that's just my opinion. :D
Explanation:
Settlement is the absolute correct answer for this highly interesting question.
You never lose sight of your thesis, main idea, and the message you're trying to convey to the reader.