recoil
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1re·coil
intransitive verb \ri-ˈkȯi(-ə)l\Definition of RECOIL
1
a : to fall back under pressure b : to shrink back physically or emotionally
2
: to spring back to or as if to a starting point : rebound
3
obsolete : degenerate
Examples of RECOIL
- We recoiled in horror at the sight of his wounded arm.
- He recoiled from her touch.
- The rifle recoiled and bruised my shoulder.
Origin of RECOIL
Middle English reculen, recoilen, from Anglo-French reculer, recuiler, from re- + cul backside — more at culet
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of RECOIL
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>.
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 Examples of RECOIL
- The gun has a sharp recoil.
First Known Use of RECOIL
14th century
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