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blench

verb \ ˈblench \

Definition of blench

blenched; blenching; blenches
intransitive verb
: to draw back or turn aside from lack of courage : flinch

blench was our Word of the Day on 02/04/2018. Hear the podcast!

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Recent Examples of blench from the Web

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Origin and Etymology of blench

Middle English, to deceive, blench, from Old English blencan to deceive; akin to Old Norse blekkja to impose on

Synonym Discussion of blench

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 (such 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
2

blench

verb

Definition of blench

blenched; blenching; blenches
: bleach, whiten

Origin and Etymology of blench

alteration of blanch

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  1. See words that rhyme with blench Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for blench

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