First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1blench
verb \ˈblench\
Definition of BLENCH
intransitive verb
: to draw back or turn aside from lack of courage : flinch
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Origin 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 (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>.
2blench
verb
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