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recoil


2re·coil

noun \ˈrē-ˌkȯi(-ə)l, ri-ˈkȯi(-ə)l\

Definition of RECOIL

1
: the act or action of recoiling; especially : the kickback of a gun upon firing
2
: reaction <the recoil from the rigors of Calvinism — Edmund Wilson>
See recoil defined for English-language learners »

Examples of RECOIL

  1. The gun has a sharp recoil.

First Known Use of RECOIL

14th century

Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, salient, sally, supernumerary, tactical

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