Main Entry: flinch

Pronunciation: \ˈflinch\

Function: intransitive verb

Etymology: Middle French flenchir to bend, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German lenken to bend, Old High German hlanca flank — more at lank

Date: 1578

: to withdraw or shrink from or as if from pain : wince; also : to tense the muscles involuntarily in anticipation of discomfort

synonyms see recoil

— flinch noun

— flinch·er noun