- Main Entry:
- 1re·coil
- Pronunciation:
-
\ri-ˈkȯi(-ə)l\
- Function:
- intransitive verb
- Etymology:
- Middle English reculen, recoilen, from Anglo-French reculer, recuiler, from re- + cul backside — more at culet
- Date:
- 14th century
1 a: to fall back under pressure b: to shrink back physically or emotionally2: to spring back to or as if to a starting point : rebound3obsolete : degenerate
synonyms recoil,
shrink,
flinch,
wince,
blench,
quail mean to draw back in fear or distaste.
recoil implies a start or movement away through shock, fear, or disgust
<recoiled at the suggestion of stealing>.
shrink suggests an instinctive recoil through sensitiveness, scrupulousness, or cowardice
<shrank from the unpleasant truth>.
flinch implies a failure to endure pain or face something dangerous or frightening with resolution
<faced her accusers without flinching>.
wince suggests a slight involuntary physical reaction (as a start or recoiling)
<winced in pain>.
blench implies fainthearted flinching
<stood their ground without blenching>.
quail suggests shrinking and cowering in fear
<quailed before the apparition>.
