flinch

verb \ˈflinch\

: to move suddenly because you are afraid of being hit or hurt

: to show fear : to hesitate from doing something unpleasant or dangerous

Full Definition of FLINCH

intransitive verb

: to withdraw or shrink from or as if from pain : wince; also : to tense the muscles involuntarily in anticipation of discomfort

— flinch noun

— flinch·er noun

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Origin of FLINCH

Middle French flenchir to bend, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German lenken to bend, Old High German hlanca flank — more at lank

First Known Use: 1578

Related to FLINCH

Synonyms: blench, cringe, quail, recoil, shrink, squinch, wince

Synonym Discussion of FLINCH

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>.